VfB Stuttgart vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Stuttgart look for a third consecutive European win when they host struggling Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.

Stuttgart host Maccabi Tel Aviv in Europa League’s early timeslot of matchday six on Thursday. The Swabians won each of their last three games in cup competitions, but they have now lost back-to-back Bundesliga games.

In particular, the 5-0 scoreline at home against Bayern Munich is the heaviest defeat for Sebastian Hoeneß as a coach. Despite only winning once from their last five encounters, the sixth-placed team is a single point shy from a Champions League spot, though.

Similarly, Stuttgart only trail table-toppers Lyon by three points in the Europa League. Successive wins against Eredivisie sides Feyenoord and Go Ahead Eagles restored their hopes of a knockout stage appearance after defeats at Basel and Fenerbahçe.

Saturday’s loss is the first time Stuttgart failed to win a home game in any competition this season. Bilal El Khannouss had to be substituted off due to an injury in that match, and the Leicester City loanee could miss Thursday’s fixture.

As for the visitors, Zarko Lazetic’s side struggled in both domestic and continental fronts this season. They dropped to third in the Israeli Premier League after the weekend’s defeat to leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva. Meanwhile, their only point in the Europa League came in the opening matchday with a goalless draw against PAOK.

Right-back Sagiv Jehezkel is suspended for this one after an injury-time red card in a 6-0 defeat to Lyon. Moldovan striker Ion Nicolaescu will also be absent after sustaining a knee injury in the weekend’s league game.

Predicted Lineups

Stuttgart: Nübel; Chabot, Jeltsch, Hendriks; Mittelstädt, Chema, Stiller, Vagnoman; Undav ©, Leweling; Tiago Tomás

Maccabi: Melika; Asante, Heitor, Camara, Revivo; Harush, Noy; Davida, Peretz ©, Farkhi; Madmon