Stuttgart will host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first half of their Europa League sixth round tie on Thursday. The Swabians have won their last three cup games but have now lost consecutive Bundesliga games.
Especially the 0-5 home victory over Bayern Munich was the heaviest defeat since Hoeness took charge. The sixth-placed side are just one point away from a Champions League spot despite winning just one of their last five meetings.
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Likewise, Stuttgart are just three points behind leaders Lyon in the Europa League. Consecutive wins over Eredivisie side Feyenoord and Goahead Eagle restored hopes of reaching the knockout rounds after losses to Basel and Fenerbahce.
Saturday’s defeat was the first time this season that Stuttgart failed to win a home match in any competition. Bilal El Canous was substituted due to injury in that game and the Leicester City loanee is likely to miss Thursday’s game.
As for the visitors, Zako Razetic’s side have struggled this season both domestically and on the continent. They fell to third place in the Israeli Premier League after losing to leaders Hapoel Beersheba at the weekend. Meanwhile, their only point in the Europa League came in a goalless draw against PAOK in their opening match.
Right-back Sajeev Djekhzkir is suspended after picking up a red card in stoppage time in the 6-0 loss to Lyon. Moldovan forward Ioán Nicolaescu also missed the weekend’s league match with a knee injury.
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Predicted lineup
Stuttgart: Nubel; Chabot, Jerzy, Hendricks; Mittelstädt, Chema, Stiller, Vagnoman; Undav ©, Leweling; Thiago Thomas
Maccabee: Melika; Asante, Haito, Kamara, Revo; Harush, Noy; Davida, Peretz©, Farkhi; Medmon
