As both teams strive to bounce back in the Bundesliga, Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund gear up for a highly anticipated clash on Saturday.
Match Preview:
Stuttgart, who began the season impressively with 21 points from 24, faces a recent dip in form with successive defeats.
Despite this, they remain third in the table, showcasing a significant improvement from past seasons. A home victory in the DFB-Pokal between league losses adds to their mixed run.
The absence of Serhou Guirassy, a key striker, due to a hamstring injury has been a setback for Stuttgart.
Deniz Undav aims to step up in Guirassy’s absence, hoping to rekindle his goal-scoring form.
For Dortmund, a recent 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker was a setback, but they quickly rebounded by securing a top spot in the Champions League Group F with a win against Newcastle United.
Edin Terzic’s side eyes a return to Bundesliga glory by overcoming Stuttgart and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Team Form:
Stuttgart Bundesliga Form: W, W, W, W, L, L
Stuttgart All Competitions Form: W, W, W, L, W, L
Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga Form: W, W, W, W, D, L
Borussia Dortmund All Competitions Form: W, W, D, W, L, W
Team News:
Stuttgart faces the absence of Guirassy due to his hamstring issue. Undav continues to deputize for him in attack.
Nicolas Nartey and Pascal Stenzel are sidelined, and Enzo Millot could feature in the starting lineup.
Dortmund may see changes with Marco Reus and Donyell Malen likely returning to the attack. Injuries to Julian Duranville, Emre Can, Mateu Morey, and Marius Wolf persist, but Ramy Bensebaini might be called upon at left-back.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Stuttgart:
- Nubel;
- Rouault, Anton, Zagadou, Ito;
- Karazor, Stiller;
- Silas, Millot, Fuhrich;
- Undav
Borussia Dortmund:
- Kobel;
- Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini;
- Sabitzer, Nmecha;
- Malen, Reus, Brandt;
- Fullkrug
Prediction: Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
Despite Stuttgart’s impressive start and recent setbacks, Dortmund, fueled by recent Champions League success, is poised to secure a Bundesliga victory. Expect a competitive encounter with Dortmund prevailing.