Stuttgart and Atletico Madrid set for Champions League showdown: predicted line-ups

VfB Stuttgart will host Atletico de Madrid on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in the third matchday of the Champions League league phase. The match is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT.

Stuttgart are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with three central defenders tasked with limiting Atletico’s attacking threat. Their wing-backs are also likely to operate high up the pitch in an attempt to create numerical advantages in wide areas.

Stuttgart predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Bredlow

Defenders: Vagnoman, Chabot, Jeltsch

Midfielders: Hendriks, Promel, Stiller, Fuhrich

Forwards: Undav, Demirovic, El Khannouss

The German side’s attacking line is expected to feature Undav and Demirovic, with El Khannouss completing the front three. Stiller and Promel are likely to form the central midfield partnership, supported by Hendriks and Fuhrich on the flanks.

Atletico Madrid are expected to remain faithful to Diego Simeone’s familiar 4-4-2 system. The Spanish side should set up with a compact defensive block, two disciplined banks of four and a two-man attack ready to take advantage of any opening.

Atletico Madrid predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Oblak

Defenders: Llorente, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo

Midfielders: Simeone, Barrios, Cardoso, Baena

Forwards: Kang-In Lee, Alvarez

Oblak is expected to start in goal, behind a back four of Llorente, Romero, Hancko and Grimaldo. Simeone, Barrios, Cardoso and Baena are set to provide the midfield structure, while Kang-In Lee and Alvarez could lead the attack.

The match will be Stuttgart’s third fixture of the league phase against Atletico Madrid. The published betting odds list Stuttgart as 1.42 favourites, with a draw priced at 4.50 and an Atletico Madrid win at 5.50.