Stuttgart vs Viking: Champions League Clash Preview
VfB Stuttgart welcome Viking to the MHPArena on 9 September 2026, with kick-off set for 17:45, as the Champions League group stage throws up a meeting of two sides starting from the same point – level at the top, level in ambition, and with plenty still to prove.
Where to watch
In the UK, the game will be shown live on TNT Sports 5, with streaming available via HBO Max. Both services carry the full match broadcast for subscribers.
Stuttgart’s swing between extremes
Sebastian Hoeness brings a Stuttgart team that can light up a scoreboard – and then undo their own work in 90 chaotic minutes.
They arrive from a 4-1 dismantling of FC Köln in the Bundesliga, a response that came just days after a bruising 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Twelve goals scored, twelve conceded across their last five games in all competitions tells the story: this is a side that thrills going forward but still invites trouble in its own box.
There has been more than just match prep to handle. Deadline day saw midfielder Chema Andrés sold to Brighton, removing a player Hoeness had integrated into his plans. It leaves a small but noticeable hole in the middle of the pitch, one Stuttgart must plug quickly at this level.
Adding to the sense of scrutiny, new Germany manager Jurgen Klopp has been on a Bundesliga tour, dropping in at Stuttgart as part of his early scouting. His presence around the club sharpens the stakes for players looking to catch an international eye.
Viking arrive with momentum
Viking travel from Norway with confidence and a clear sense of identity. Morten Jensen’s side earned their place in the group stage the hard way, beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 before drawing 2-2 across their Champions League qualifying tie.
Domestically, they held Sandefjord to a 1-1 draw in the Eliteserien last time out and have put together a five-game run of two wins, two draws, and no defeats, scoring eight and conceding five. They also posted a 3-1 away win at Brodd in cup action.
They are not the biggest name in this competition, but they arrive hardened by qualifiers and unbeaten in recent weeks. This is not a side turning up just to make up the numbers.
Team news and likely lineups
Hoeness has to juggle absences. Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen and forward Tiago Tomas are out injured, while Nikolas Nartey is suspended. The projected XI turns to Fabian Bredlow in goal, protected by a back four of Josha Vagnoman, Jeff Chabot, Finn Jeltsch, and Maximilian Mittelstaedt.
In midfield, Angelo Stiller and Grischa Prömel are expected to anchor the centre, with Jamie Leweling, Chris Führich, and Deniz Undav providing the creative and attacking support behind central striker Dzenan Pejcinovic. It’s a lineup built to attack, but one that must prove it can withstand pressure when the tempo rises.
Viking also carry their own injury list. Veton Berisha, Anders Baertelsen, and Sondre Bjørshol are all sidelined, though Jensen has no suspensions to worry about.
Arild Østbø is set to start in goal, with Gianni Stensness, Henrik Heggheim, Jesper Daland, and Vetle Auklend forming the defensive unit. In midfield, Kristoffer Askildsen, Joe Bell, and Tobias Moi are expected to set the rhythm, while Zlatko Tripic, Peter Christiansen, and Simen Kvia-Egeskog lead the line in a flexible, hard-running attack.
Form and fine margins
Stuttgart’s last five in all competitions: three wins, two defeats, 12 scored, 12 conceded. Alongside the recent 4-1 win over Köln and the 5-1 loss to Bayern, they have a 4-0 DFB-Pokal victory against Hansa Rostock and a 3-1 pre-season win over Everton. The other defeat came against Fulham. The pattern is clear – when they click, they overwhelm; when they lose control, they unravel.
Viking’s recent run is steadier: two wins, two draws, no losses, eight goals for and five against. The 3-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in their last Champions League qualifier and that 3-1 cup win at Brodd underline a team that can travel and still play on the front foot.
Fresh chapter in Europe
There is no head-to-head history between Stuttgart and Viking to lean on. No old scars, no grudges, no template. Just a blank page in the Champions League, with both clubs currently sharing first place in the group.
Stuttgart step into the night with attacking flair and defensive doubts. Viking arrive with rhythm, resilience, and nothing to fear.
By full-time in Stuttgart, one of them will have taken a real step towards shaping this group – and perhaps their entire European campaign.
