Stuttgart wants to do its homework
Between 2018 and 2021, Gerardo Seoane won the Swiss championship title three times as coach of Young Boys Bern. BSC fans were therefore delighted when their former successful coach decided to return to the federal city at the end of October after spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, only four of the 14 competitive games played under Seoane have been won (4-2-8).
The Yellow and Blacks are going through their most difficult phase of the past decade and could now be pushed out of the top 24 on the last matchday of the Europa League group stage. However, if the tip that the visitors will win a point in the match between VfB Stuttgart and Young Boys proves true, the chances are good that they will be able to play two additional games in the EL playoffs in February.
However, the Bundesliga club is clearly the favorite. On the one hand, because the Swabians have come out of the winter break really well, with ten points from their first four Bundesliga games in the 2026 calendar year and a narrow Europa League defeat at AS Roma (0-2) last week. On the other hand, Hoeneß’s team is still unbeaten at home in the competition so far. In three home games, Deniz Undav and Co. have celebrated three wins with a total score of 8:2.
Nevertheless, jumping into the top eight on the last matchday and booking a place in the round of 16 will be a mammoth task. A home win is unlikely to be enough to make up five places. Instead, additional help from other venues will be needed. Although I expect the hosts to win, I would venture to predict before the VfB Stuttgart vs. Young Boys game that the German first division team will have to go into the playoffs.
But what VfB Stuttgart vs. Young Boys odds can be recommended for Thursday? In my opinion, it makes the most sense to bet on a home win with a handicap (-1.5). Not only the home team’s good form, but also the visitors’ tangible crisis speaks in favor of a Stuttgart victory by at least two goals. YB has lost five competitive games in a row, conceding a whopping 17 goals, and has also lost eleven of its last 15 European cup matches away from home (1-3-11).
VfB Stuttgart – Young Boys Head-to-head record / H2H record
The last meeting between these clubs was just over a year ago. In the previous season, VfB and YB faced each other in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. At that time, Stuttgart came out on top, winning 5-1 at home in December 2024. There have been three meetings between the two sides in competitive matches. Stuttgart recorded two wins and one draw, scoring ten (!) goals in the process.
VfB Stuttgart – Young Boys Tip
Due to last Thursday’s avoidable 2-0 defeat at AS Roma, VfB Stuttgart find themselves with their backs against the wall in the race for the top eight ahead of the final matchday. Even if they win, it will probably not be enough for the Swabians to qualify directly for the round of 16.
However, this will not change their motivation to secure their fourth three points in their fourth EL home game. Especially considering that they can secure a decent starting position and possibly a weaker opponent for the Europa League playoffs.
It should also be mentioned that the visitors are currently struggling. Five defeats in a row, including a 1-4 loss to Thun at the weekend, are causing the club’s management serious headaches. Now, the sixth-placed team in the Swiss Super League is also in danger of being knocked out of the Europa League. I believe that the home side are the better team in every respect and will secure an easy win at home.
I am therefore betting on the handicap (-1.5) in favor of VfB Stuttgart ahead of their clash with Young Boys.
