German Cup
2026-02-04 - Holstein Kiel vs VfB Stuttgart
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: DFB Pokal Quarterfinal
Holstein Stadion - Kiel
Wednesday, 04th February 2026 - kickoff 20:45 CET
Holstein Kiel
Holstein Kiel come into this quarterfinal with mixed feelings. They had put together a solid five-game unbeaten run before last weekend’s disappointing 1-2 home defeat against bottom-placed Greuther Fürth, a result that brought them straight back down to earth.
In the bigger picture, Holstein Kiel remain in a relegation scrap in the 2.Bundesliga, sitting just four points above the drop zone.
Their cup run has been impressive on paper. Eliminating Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV deserves credit, but context matters – both Bundesliga sides were struggling at the time.
Facing VfB Stuttgart is a completely different challenge. This is a step up in intensity, quality, and pressure, and Kiel will need a near-perfect night to stay competitive.
VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart arrive as reigning DFB Pokal holders and are very much eyeing a return trip to Berlin. With the draw opening up nicely, this quarterfinal represents a huge opportunity to keep their title defence on track. On paper, VfB Stuttgart couldn’t have asked for a better opponent at this stage.
They moved up to fourth in the Bundesliga last weekend after edging SC Freiburg 1-0 at home, making it four wins in their last five league matches.
VfB Stuttgart’s away form is particularly eye-catching: three straight away wins against Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Mönchengladbach, scoring an impressive 11 goals in the process. With that kind of form, they should approach this tie with confidence rather than caution.
The Betting Verdict
Holstein Kiel have already had their cup moments this season, but this feels like where the run ends. VfB Stuttgart’s quality, experience, and recent away performances give them a clear edge.
Expect VfB Stuttgart to control the game and eventually pull away. Backing VfB Stuttgart to win is my suggestion in what looks like a classic cup mismatch on paper.
The Pick :
Holstein Kiel 0-2 VfB Stuttgart
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take VfB Stuttgart to win at odds of 1.52 at SportBet.One
