Both clubs already suffered defeats after two matchdays. Fenerbahce lost their opening game 1-3 at Dinamo Zagreb, but secured a 2-1 victory against Nice in their only home game so far. The Swabians started with a home win against Celta Vigo before suffering a somewhat surprising defeat at Basel. To position themselves sustainably and significantly improve their position in the race for the top eight or the top 24, the outcome of this head-to-head clash is of immense importance. In six of the eight matches of the hosts played so far under Tedesco a maximum of three goals and never more than four have been scored. With four wins, three draws, and only one defeat, Fenerbahce head coach's interim record is certainly impressive. However, two goals scored so far have been the best Talisca, Akturkoglu, Asensio and co. have managed. Instead, great emphasis is placed on defense, which is reflected in only two goals conceded in the last four matches.With only six goals conceded in seven matches, Stuttgart is with the second-best defense in the Bundesliga. Goalkeeper Nubel has kept a clean sheet four times already. Only in the 1-3 defeat at Freiburg did the reigning cup winners concede more than two goals. |