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In an exciting German Cup showdown, high-flying Bundesliga team Stuttgart is set to face Union Berlin, a fellow top-flight outfit, on Tuesday night. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a spot in the third round of the DFB-Pokal.
Match Preview
These two teams last met on October 21 in the Bundesliga, where Stuttgart secured a convincing 3-0 victory.
However, their fortunes have diverged during the opening months of the 2023-24 campaign.
Since returning to the Bundesliga in 2020, Stuttgart’s performance had been middling, finishing ninth, 16th, and 16th.
But this season has brought a refreshing change, with Stuttgart currently occupying the third position in the Bundesliga table, having amassed an impressive 21 points from nine league matches.
The Reds have triumphed seven times in the league this season, but they head into the cup contest on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Hoffenheim.
However, they remain determined to bounce back after a convincing 4-0 victory over Balingen in the previous DFB-Pokal round.
While their primary focus may be on the league, Stuttgart boasts a strong German Cup history, having won the competition three times, with their last victory in the 1996-97 season.
They have also reached the finals three more times, including in 2012-13, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich.
Stuttgart’s previous victory over Union Berlin in the Bundesliga positions them as favorites in this clash.
In contrast, Union Berlin had a remarkable 2022-23 season, finishing fourth in the Bundesliga and earning a spot in the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.
However, their campaign in 2023-24 has been far less promising, marked by a string of ten consecutive defeats across all competitions.
This losing streak includes a 2-0 defeat against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Currently, Urs Fischer’s side languishes in 15th place in the Bundesliga, with only six points from their nine matches.
Additionally, they’ve suffered three consecutive losses in the Champions League group stage to Real Madrid, Braga, and Napoli.
Union Berlin initiated the season with three straight wins, including a convincing 4-0 victory over Astoria Walldorf in the previous DFB-Pokal round.
Nevertheless, they have failed to secure a victory since the end of August, and their upcoming fixtures do not appear to offer any respite.
They are set to face Eintracht Frankfurt, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen in their next three matches before the November international break.
Team News
Stuttgart will be missing Serhou Guirassy, Fabian Bredlow, and Josha Vagnoman due to injuries for the upcoming fixture.
Head coach Sebastian Hoeness is expected to make several changes to the lineup, including players like Dan-Axel Zagadou, Jamie Leweling, Jovan Milosevic, and Lilian Egloff.
For Union Berlin, Rani Khedira is unavailable following a red card in the recent Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen.
Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana remains suspended for a week after refusing to shake his manager’s hand.
Additionally, Union Berlin will be without Danilho Doekhi, Josip Juranovic, and Andras Schafter due to injuries.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Stuttgart:
- Schock;
- Stenzel, Zagadou, Anton, Ito;
- Leweling, Stiller;
- Egloff, Millot, Milosevic;
- Undav
Union Berlin:
- Schwolow;
- Bonucci, Knoche, Leite;
- Trimmel, Laidouni, Aaronson, Kral, Gosens;
- Kaufmann, Hollerbach
Prediction:
Although both teams are expected to rest key players for this match, Union Berlin’s current form is underwhelming.
While Stuttgart is entering the game after a league defeat, we anticipate a narrow victory that will see them advance to the next round of the German Cup.
- Our prediction: Stuttgart 2-1 Union Berlin
