Matches from the Bundesliga and La Liga make up this weekend’s top soccer predictions.
The pregame narrative: Stuttgart hosts Freiburg in a matchup that has potential for goals. Elsewhere, I believe the contest between Getafe and Barcelona falls under the total.
Check out this weekend’s best European soccer predictions for games on Jan. 18.
Soccer picks and predictions
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Best Bet: Stuttgart/Freiburg over 3 goals (-122)
The German top-flight is famously known for high-scoring matches, and this one should be no exception.
Stuttgart is off to a solid start in 2025, notching wins in its first two matches of the calendar year. Against a dangerous RB Leipzig side, it generated 2.57 expected goals (xG) on 14 shots.
Under Sebastian Hoeness, the Swabians are loaded with fierce strikers and playmaking midfielders, capable of penetrating even the toughest defences.
Stuttgart is ranked in the top five across all the important attacking metrics.
- 3rd in expected goals (1.95 per 90)
- 4th in shots on goal (5.6 per 90)
- 2nd in box entries (31.1 per 90)
- 2nd in big scoring chances (3.7 per 90)
It faces a favourable matchup against a Freiburg side that’s conceded a whopping 13 goals in its last four matches.
Defensively for Stuttgart, losing German international Maximilian Mittelstadt to a knee injury is a significant blow to a backline already missing a key central defender.
It’s a cause for concern when facing Freiburg’s midfield duo of Vincenzo Grifo and Ritsu Doan, who have combined for 20 goal contributions.
This bet has cashed in their last three head-to-head contests.
Key stat: Stuttgart’s matches at home are averaging 3.67 goals this season.
Quick picks
Getafe/Barcelona under 2.5 goals (+100): Betting an under on a Barcelona match could be nerve-racking, but I believe it makes sense here.
The trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and wonder boy Lamine Yamal have formed Barcelona into an attacking juggernaut.
On the contrary, the defensive side of Getafe has contained it in previous matches.
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Under Jose Bordalas this season, Getafe likes to absorb pressure in defensive areas while keeping a compact line.
Despite sitting 15th in La Liga, Getafe has allowed just 16 goals over 19 league matches. Offensively, its 13 goals are tied for the fewest in the league.
Getafe has failed to score off Barcelona in its previous six meetings. In addition, Barcelona’s last three visits to the Coliseum Stadium have resulted in 0-0 draws.
With a big Champions League match against Benfica on deck, I expect Flick to approach this game conservatively and rotate key attackers.
Picks made at 2:53 p.m. on 01/17/25.
