As VfB Stuttgart prepares to host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League on December 11, 2025, the stakes couldn't be clearer. Stuttgart is sitting precariously in 12th place with just nine points from five matches, while Maccabi Tel Aviv languishes at the bottom of their group with a solitary point to show for their efforts. With both teams needing a victory, this clash promises to be less about flair and more about survival-an intense showdown that could shape their seasons.
Predicted Lineups
Expect Stuttgart to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring GK: Alexander Nübel, DEF: Maximilian Mittelstädt, Ramon Hendriks, Ameen Al-Dakhil, Josha Vagnoman; MIDs: Angelo Stiller, Bilal El Khannouss; FOR: Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav (the top scorer), and Badredine Bouanani. On the other hand, Maccabi Tel Aviv will likely employ a 4-2-3-1 as well, with GK: Roei Mashpati; DEF: Roy Revivo, Heitor, Mohamed Camara, Tyrese Asante; MIDs: Dor Peretz and Ido Shahar; FOR: Saied Abu Farchi and Ion Nicolaescu leading the attack.
Stuttgart's recent form has been anything but consistent-a pattern highlighted by an alarming 0-5 thumping against Bayern Munich. While they've shown moments of brilliance like their 4-0 demolition of GO Ahead Eagles in the Europa League (where they were free-scoring and merciless), defensive frailties remain an open wound: conceding five against Bayern isn't exactly reassuring. Nevertheless, a positive DFB Pokal result against VfL Bochum keeps hope alive.
In contrast, Maccabi Tel Aviv's form resembles more of a laborious slog than any semblance of rhythm. Their solitary league win came against Hapoel Haifa last week but was promptly overshadowed by losses-including a catastrophic 0-6 defeat against Lyon in Europe. They've been punching above their weight all season yet are desperately seeking traction to avoid being swallowed whole by the competition.
Diving deeper into statistics sheds light on what lies ahead. Stuttgart's ball possession rate averages around 64% over recent matches-dominating possession like an eager dog chasing its tail-but that hasn't translated effectively into results. A glaring weakness lies in their shot conversion rate; despite having decent xG numbers-against Dortmund for example-they failed to capitalize when it mattered most.
Maccabi Tel Aviv presents an entirely different picture. They might boast marginally lower possession percentages but have proved more adept at shooting-averaging nearly twice as many shots per match compared to Stuttgart's fluctuating attempts across games. In their last match versus Hapoel Beer Sheva-a narrow defeat-they maintained control for long stretches but couldn't find the net frequently enough, summing up their persistent scoring drought that also saw them shut out completely by Lyon and embarrassed by Beitar Jerusalem previously.
Both teams' key players need to rise if they're going to make an impact in this pivotal contest. For Stuttgart, keep your eyes on Deniz Undav. He may not have racked up as many goals as one would expect given his attacking position-just four this season-but he's shown flashes of brilliance and can turn up when least expected (think clutch performances). Meanwhile, Maccabi's Dor Peretz has been involved directly in three goals this season; look for him to create space or find openings against Stuttgart's shaky backline.
As we analyze further into stats relevant to tactical battles: look out for corners-the outcome of which might serve as mini-battles within the match itself. Stuttgart often earns more corners thanks to high pressing play when they're offensive-minded (they averaged around four per match). If Maccabi wants any chance at pulling off an upset here or securing that vital away goal or two-which has eluded them thus far-they'll need not only higher creativity upfront but also increased resilience defensively.
However it's hard to ignore Maccabi's trend towards surrendering chances defensively; they've allowed a barrage of goals lately without showing much improvement in goalkeeping either-notably their custodian registering zero saves in several matches. Against an offense such as Stuttgart's-which tends to take its chances well when not on defensive duty-you'd expect some fireworks unless head coach Kobi Machida works some magic on his back line ahead of kickoff.
So how does all this stack up? While both clubs enter desperate for points-one clawing for survival while the other strives toward resurgence-don't be surprised if VfB Stuttgart edges out Maccabi Tel Aviv purely based on squad depth and familiarity with European competitions.
Expect the final scoreline somewhere around 3-1 in favor of Stuttgart-not because they've found any miraculous form overnight-but simply because the dire circumstances align better for them at home than for a traveling team still trying desperately to find footing amidst turbulent waters.