Stuttgart vs. Dortmund preview: BVB must secure another three points
Dortmund need a win to keep the pressure on Bayern, while Stuttgart are surprisingly looking for their 3rd competitive victory in a row.
| Photo: Borussia Dortmund |
Stuttgart
VfB’s massive away win over Bochum last weekend was a huge relief to supporters who now have a bit of hope in the relegation battle once again. Striker Serhou Guirassy’s return to fitness is huge and Josha Vagnoman is finally back starting in his usual position on the right.
Sebastian Hoeneß still has a lot of work left to do and the task doesn’t get any easier with BVB coming to town. He’ll likely implement a 3-5-2 formation which allows Borna Sosa to push forward to swing in deadly crosses.
It’s of note that following this weekend, Stuttgart don’t have a team in the current top five left on their schedule.
Hoeneß said, “We’ve won two games and we’re pleased, but now it’s straight back to it. Focus, work clearly and carry the momentum forward to upset Dortmund. We have no time to lose and have to pick up every point that we can.”
Team News
Luca Pfeiffer and Niko Nartey won’t be available on Saturday. It was also announced that Stuttgart will host Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal semis on May 2nd.
Dortmund
BVB are battling at the other end of the Bundesliga table and will likely need to stay perfect to have a chance in the title race. The black and yellow have been knocked out of all other competitions, leaving their sole remaining focus on the Bundesliga.
With several defensive injuries, Mats Hummels is expected to lead the back-line alongside Emre Can. It’s unclear whether Raphael Guerreiro will feature in the midfield or at left-back, but he’s been involved in more 2023 Bundesliga goals than any other player (2 goals, 9 assists).
Edin Terzic commented, "We recently showed a good reaction against a direct competitor. We want to build on that. It doesn't matter who we're up against now. We have to go into the final games hungry in order to have a great story together at the end of the season."
Team News
Nico Schlotterbeck remains sidelined and Niklas Süle is doubtful with a hamstring issue. Mateu Morey and Julien Duranville are also unavailable.
In contract news, Julian Brandt and goalkeeper Marcel Lotka officially signed extensions this week. However, we are still waiting on word from the camps of veterans Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.