Stuttgart have been a model of consistency this season, juggling their domestic and European commitments with impressive poise. A home clash against struggling newcomers St. Pauli should see them continue their fine run.

Unbeaten in their last 5 matches across all competitions and victorious in their previous 4, Stuttgart come into this fixture brimming with confidence.

Their home form at the MHP Arena has been particularly formidable, averaging 2.36 goals per game, they’ve lost just once in the league all season – a result influenced by a contentious last-minute equaliser being disallowed. Stuttgart’s ability to dictate play at home makes them a daunting prospect for any visiting team.

In contrast, St. Pauli are enduring a tough season, hovering just a point above the relegation play-off spot. They’ve managed just 1 win in their last 6 matches and have lost 7 of their previous 10 outings. While their defence concedes an average of 1.36 goals per game, it’s their inability to score that has been most damning, with just 11 goals in 14 matches.

Against a Stuttgart side in such imperious form, St. Pauli look unlikely to offer much resistance. Expect Stuttgart to take full advantage of their visitors’ vulnerabilities and secure another vital 3 points as they maintain pressure on the Bundesliga’s top spots.

The struggles continue for Plymouth Argyle as they face an uphill battle against a Middlesbrough side eager to keep their play-off push alive.

Plymouth find themselves just a point above rock bottom, reflecting a season plagued by defensive calamities and an attack bereft of creativity. Their form is dismal, failing to win any of their last 6 matches while losing the last 4 in a row. Over this stretch, they’ve conceded a staggering 17 goals and managed just 5 in response.

These figures are emblematic of their season as a whole, with the Pilgrims holding the league’s worst defensive record (2.1 goals conceded per game) and sharing the dubious honour of the league’s least productive attack.

The appointment of Wayne Rooney has done little to inspire a turnaround. Despite his high-profile name, his managerial career has produced a meagre 25.7% win rate, and there’s little evidence to suggest he can pull Plymouth out of their downward spiral.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, are in a strong position under Michael Carrick. With 5 wins in their last 8 matches, Boro are demonstrating the consistency required to challenge for a play-off spot. Against lower-ranked opposition, they’ve excelled, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 6 across their last 4 encounters with teams below them.

Their away form is also solid, with defeats in their last 9 road games coming only against Blackburn and Leeds – both sitting above them in the table. Given the vast gulf in quality, this match is firmly in Middlesbrough’s favour. Expect Boro to dominate and deepen Plymouth’s relegation worries.