Stuttgart aim to extend their unbeaten run against Paderborn in a high-stakes DFB-Pokal tie

What’s on the line

A place in the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 is at stake as SC Paderborn 07 and VfB Stuttgart meet in Paderborn, with the visitors aiming to preserve an unbeaten recent record against their hosts.

Early-season form and context

Both sides have started their Bundesliga campaigns with contrasting fortunes but similar recent results in isolation: Paderborn sit 13th with eight points from seven matches (form WDLWL), while Stuttgart are 15th with six points (form LLWLL). Each club recorded a win in its most recent fixture noted by the season snapshot and both arrive having scored freely in those opening matches—four goals apiece in their single listed matches—though Stuttgart kept a clean sheet in that outing.

The cup setting gives Paderborn the home advantage at the Home Deluxe Arena, where their early-season scoring has been concentrated mostly after the half-hour mark. Stuttgart’s scoring minutes are spread more evenly across the second half and late stages, suggesting they can be dangerous throughout.

Stuttgart’s recent edge in the rivalry

The headline here is Stuttgart’s dominance in recent meetings. The last five H2H entries show Stuttgart have avoided defeat in each: wins in the DFB-Pokal of January 2023 (2-1) and Bundesliga victories in May 2015 (2-1) and October 2026 (2-0), plus a goalless draw at Stuttgart in December 2014. That sequence gives Stuttgart three wins and a draw against Paderborn across those matches, underlining a psychological and competitive edge that will factor into Paderborn’s preparations.

Tactical match-up to watch

Paderborn’s season numbers indicate they can score—especially in bursts after 60 minutes in the listed match—while Stuttgart’s data points to a cleaner defensive performance in their most recent game. The statistical comparison in the file leans toward Stuttgart as the more consistent defensive unit in this snapshot, which helps explain why they haven’t lost recent encounters.

Our prediction

PreviaXI’s model identifies Stuttgart as the likelier side to progress and points to a narrow away win. The visitors’ recent success against Paderborn, combined with a cleaner defensive showing in their latest match and the ability to score across the 90 minutes, suggests a tight game that ultimately tips in Stuttgart’s favour. Expect Paderborn to threaten on transitions and set pieces, but Stuttgart’s recent head-to-head edge should be decisive.

SC Paderborn 07 1-2 VfB Stuttgart