Hansa Rostock
VfB Stuttgart
Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart Predictions, Picks & Odds – 21/08/2026
Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart – Best bets of the match
Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart Preview
Hansa Rostock welcome Stuttgart to the Ostseestadion for a DFB Pokal first round clash that carries genuine giant-killing potential. The 3. Liga side boast an impressive home record, unbeaten in 12 of their last 15 matches at this venue across all competitions. That fortress mentality could prove crucial against higher-ranked opposition. Rostock have history on their side too, having previously dumped Stuttgart out at this stage back in 2018.
VfB Stuttgart arrive as defending DFB Pokal champions, carrying the weight of expectation into lower-league territory. Their recent form reads mixed, with two wins, two draws, and a defeat across the last five outings. The Bundesliga contenders have reshaped their defensive setup following notable departures, which could disrupt early-season cohesion. Still, Stuttgart's cup pedigree is formidable, boasting a 75% win rate across their last 12 knockout fixtures, and they are priced accordingly at 1.22.
VfB Stuttgart's recent form reads mixed, with two wins, two draws, and a defeat across their last five outings. Still, the Bundesliga side are defending DFB Pokal champions and boast a 75% win rate in their last 12 cup fixtures. That pedigree in knockout football is difficult to overlook, even on the road against a fired-up lower league opponent.
Hansa Rostock's home record offers genuine resistance; they have been undefeated in 12 of their last 15 matches at the Ostseestadion across all competitions. History also favours the hosts in this specific fixture, having dumped Stuttgart out of the first round back in 2018. The 3. Liga side will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable once more.
The away win at 1.22 represents the value selection here. Stuttgart's squad depth, cup pedigree, and superior quality across every department should prove decisive despite Rostock's spirited home form. Defensive reshuffling on both sides introduces a degree of uncertainty, yet the class gap between Bundesliga contenders and third-tier opposition remains enormous. Backing Stuttgart to advance is the logical call.
Trends to Know about Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart
- Stuttgart won 75% of last 12 cup ties
- Hansa unbeaten in 12 of 15 home games
- Rostock eliminated Stuttgart in 2018 Pokal
Form & Statistics: Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart
Hansa Rostock
Season statistics
VfB Stuttgart
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart
Hansa Rostock
Starters
- 1 Luca Unbehaun
- 2 Florian Bohnert
- 3 Florian Carstens
- 4 Niklas Kölle
- 5 Franz Pfanne
- 6 Jonas Dirkner
- 7 Marco Schuster
- 8 Maximilian Krauß
- 9 Benno Dietze
- 10 Bernie Lennemann
- 11 Andreas Voglsammer
Absent
- Vincent Ehouman (injury)
- Maurice Litka (injury)
- Jan Mejdr (injury)
- Leon Reichardt (injury)
- Lukas Wallner (injury)
- Paul Stock (injury)
- Peter Kiedl (injury)
- Emil Holten (injury)
VfB Stuttgart
Starters
- 1 Alexander Nübel
- 2 Ramon Hendriks
- 3 Maximilian Mittelstädt
- 4 Jamie Leweling
- 5 Angelo Stiller
- 6 Chema Andrés
- 7 Chris Führich
- 8 Ermedin Demirovic
- 9 Deniz Undav
- 10 Nikolas Nartey
Absent
- Yannik Keitel (injury)
- Jeff Chabot (injury)
- Josha Vagnoman (injury)
- El Bilal Touré (injury)
- Dan-Axel Zagadou (injury)
- Justin Diehl (injury)
- Dennis Seimen (injury)
- Lorenz Assignon (injury)
Low confidence
Both lineups here carry a speculated tag, drawn from a single source ahead of this DFB Pokal first-round tie, so treat the shapes with some caution. That said, the projected 4-4-2 vs 4-2-3-1 framing points to a classic cup clash between a third-tier side and a Bundesliga outfit.
For Rostock, Andreas Voglsammer is the focal attacking threat expected to press Stuttgart's backline from the off. Stuttgart, meanwhile, look to Ermedin Demirovic and Deniz Undav as a dangerous front pairing, giving the visitors clear quality on paper in what should be a lopsided but competitive cup opener.
How to Watch Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart Match?
What time is Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart?
Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart kicks off on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 19:45 local time.
Where is Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart being played?
This DFB Pokal first round tie takes place at the Ostseestadion, home ground of Hansa Rostock.
How Can I Watch Hansa Rostock vs VfB Stuttgart on TV and Live Stream?
This match will be broadcast live on Free-TV and available via a free livestream on Joyn.
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