VfB Stuttgart vs Viking FK

Wednesday's opener at the MHP Arena kicks off the new Champions League season for both sides, and it's a big one. Stuttgart return to Europe's top table after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga, looking to go further than last season's group-stage exit. Viking, meanwhile, are making history as first-time participants, having stunned Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 in the playoff to reach the league phase. Stuttgart's form has been shaky, with a heavy 1-5 defeat to Bayern Munich in their league opener, though captain Deniz Undav remains a serious goal threat after 25 strikes last season, alongside Ermedin Demirović. Viking arrive full of confidence, sitting second in Eliteserien with a 74% win rate this year, led by top scorer Peter Christiansen. The two clubs have never met before, so there's no history to lean on here. Our prediction: 2-0