Eintracht Frankfurt vs. VfB Stuttgart preview: Die Schwaben are running out of time
There’s a chance Stuttgart drop to last place with a loss at the Deutsche Bank Park against Frankfurt, who are looking to end a minor skid and jump back into the Champions League places.
| Bruno Labbadia. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Sven Sonntag |
Eintracht Frankfurt
Napoli have banned Frankfurt fans from attending next week’s massive Champions League tie, which means there will undoubtedly be a massive choreo among the home supporters on Saturday. Randal Kolo Muani also won’t make the trip due to a suspension, so he should play a full 90 minutes on Matchday 24.
Although comfortably 6th in the table, Frankfurt haven’t won in their last three competitive games and want to climb back into the top four. But, they’re embarking on a difficult stretch in league play with four of their next five games, following Stuttgart, against clubs in the top 10 of the table.
Frankfurt have already scored 45 league goals, which is how many they put away in the entire 2021/22 campaign.
Oliver Glasner said, “I don't expect VfB Stuttgart to sit deep – that isn’t their style under Bruno Labbadia. I get the impression we’ve found things a little easier against more passive opponents recently. - We’ve won our last four Bundesliga home games and our last three without conceding. We’d like to extend that run with a home win.”
Team News
Jesper Lindstrøm picked up an ankle injury in training and will be out for a few weeks. In his press conference, Glasner confirmed Rafael Borre will start in his place. Junior Dina Ebimbe is also unavailable.
Frankfurt have reportedly agreed terms to sign Wolfsburg’s Omar Marmoush on a free next season and are also suitors of Stuttgart’s Kostas Mavropanos.
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart find themselves in the logjam on 19 points and badly need a result to create a bit of breathing room. Now eight games into his reign, Bruno Labbadia has only picked up one league victory and five total points.
His team put together an admirable performance away to Bayern last weekend, but couldn’t quite pick up a point. Borna Sosa will be emphasized down the left flank this weekend and Stuttgart will be hoping for some individual magic from Chris Führich and new signing Gil Dias up front.
Die Schwaben have scored just 28 goals through 23 matches.
Labbadia stated, “It’s about further minimizing the number of chances we concede and continuing to work in a calm and methodical way. The relegation battle is tighter than usual. It’s important to not ease off for one second, to stick at it, stay calm and work methodically on the things we need to do better.”
Team News
Pascal Stenzel is doubtful, while striker Serhou Guirassy remains out.