Sparta Prague have been highly efficient in front of goal this season, frequently testing opposition goalkeepers. Despite sometimes seeing less of the ball, Sparta excel at making their opportunities count. They’ve taken 11 or more shots in 13 of their 15 fixtures this season and have managed 3+ shots on target (SOT) in every game. Even in challenging circumstances, such as their recent European fixture against RB Salzburg where they had just 29% possession, Sparta took 11 shots, with 6 hitting the target.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart, though an attacking side, are prone to allowing their opponents space to shoot. They’ve conceded 3 or more shots on target in all but one of their matches this season, that sole exception being a 5-0 victory against second-tier, Preussen Munster in the cup. The numbers also suggest Sparta can reach this mark: they average 5.93 SOT per game, while Stuttgart’s defensive vulnerabilities see them conceding 4.33 on average. I expect Sparta to keep Stuttgart’s keeper busy come Tuesday afternoon.

Stuttgart a commit 10.93 per game, resulting in regular bookings,  Stuttgart have received at least one yellow card in every game this season. Sparta Prague have seen their opponents pick up a card in all of their fixtures thus far this season, at a rate of 2.33 cards against per 90.

Referee, Manfredas Lukjancukas, is an inexperienced ref but in the few fixtures he has officiated he averages 3.83 cards per game and given his tendency to point towards yellow cards, it’s highly likely that we will a couple Stuttgart Bookings.

Sparta Prague have committed 10.20 fouls per game across their fixtures this season, with an average of 1.44 cards per 90.

Sparta Prague have only avoided a booking in one of their last 15 competitive matches, whilst Stuttgart have drawn at least two cards in all bar one of their games this season, drawing 2.80 cards per 90. Over 1.5 Sparta Prague cards looks like a strong Bet Builder selection.

Sparta’s left-winger, Lukas Haraslin, is a key attacking outlet, averaging 2.55 shots per game this season. When given a full 90 minutes, this number jumps to 3.5, and he has taken two or more shots in all of his last five appearances. In three of these matches, which were in European competition, Haraslin took four or more shots.

Stuttgart’s defensive frailties often allows for numerous shots at goal, particularly from opposition wingers. Given Haraslin’s form and Sparta’s reliance on him in wide areas, two or more shots seem a solid and attainable target for the winger in this game.

Denis Undav has been a persistent threat in front of goal, demonstrating a keen eye for testing opposition goalkeepers. Averaging 2.17 shots on target (SOT) across all competitions this season, his accuracy is unmatched, with an impressive 21 attempts in his last four appearances, finding the target at least once in each outing.

What’s more telling is his ability to convert his chances, scoring in each of his last four games—a clear indication of his instinctive positioning and relentless drive to create convert for his side.

On the other end of the pitch, Atakan Karazor’s ability to disrupt opposition play has been crucial for his team. His knack for drawing fouls is a testament to his tenacity and ball retention under pressure, earning him 2.29 fouls won per game this season. In his last four competitive fixtures, Karazor has consistently drawn at least two fouls per match, proving his importance in his team’s tactical setup.

The likely upcoming battle against Kairinen, who himself averages two fouls committed over his last four, is set to be a fascinating midfield duel, one where Karazor’s guile could tilt the balance in his favour.

Stuttgart, despite often dominating possession, see plenty of action in their defensive third, and left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt has been one of their most active defenders.

Sparta Prague’s style of play, which involves conceding possession and building from deeper areas, means their opponents frequently recover the ball in advanced areas. They’ve been tackled 11 times down the left flank in their last six matches, making it highly likely Mittelstädt will be involved in plenty of defensive actions on Tuesday.

With a current total of 4 fouls in the Bundesliga, he is averaging 0.98 fouls per 90 this season.

Atakan Karazor has been a key figure for Stuttgart this season, consistently involved in the thick of the action. Averaging 4.13 foul involvements per game, he finds himself both on the receiving and giving end of physical challenges. While he often draws fouls, he’s equally prone to committing them, having already picked up two bookings this season as well as a red card in his latest fixture.

On Tuesday, Karazor is set for a tough battle against Veljko Birmančević, Sparta’s most fouled player, who draws 1.85 fouls per game. Given Birmančević’s ability to attract challenges, Karazor will need to tread carefully in what promises to be a highly physical encounter.