Stuttgart vs. Köln preview: VfB go for five in a row
On Saturday afternoon, in-form Stuttgart host Köln, who are still trying to search for a way out of the bottom three.
Stuttgart
Many onlookers thought Stuttgart’s unbelievable run of form would come to an end in 2024, but VfB don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The 3rd-place side have won their last four league games and have a realistic chance of shockingly securing a Champions League spot.
Josha Vagnoman should start for the suspended Pascal Stenzel this week and Deniz Undav is out as well. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern for Stuttgart fans who will have Silas and a fit Serhou Guirassy available to put a few goals away.
Sebastian Hoeneß stated, "The team that starts will be capable of winning the match – but only if we deliver a good performance and take the task 100% seriously. Köln will do everything to stay in the league. We have respect for this game and have been warned.”
Team News
Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt returned to team training on Thursday, but remain questionable. Undav, Alexander Nübel, Nikolas Nartey and Dan-Axel Zagadou are out, while Stenzel is suspended. Fabian Bredlow had food poisoning this week, but he’s expected to still play.
Köln
The Billy Goats have claimed a win and a couple draws under Timo Schultz, but still remain entrenched in the relegation fight. It looks like it will be a battle until the bitter end for a thin side that are really feeling the effects of their transfer ban.
Köln lost to Bremen last week and now have to play Stuttgart, Leverkusen and Leipzig over the next few weeks. Justin Diehl could start up front this weekend for a side with the league’s worst offensive record in desperate need of goals.
When asked about recent results, Schultz commented, "In my first two to three games, we were good going forward. Against Hoffenheim and Bremen that wasn't the case. When we went behind against Bremen, the lads took more risks and wanted to get forward. It's a question of our attitude depending on the situation.”
Team News
Luca Waldschmidt, Mark Uth and Davie Selke, who could return before the international break, are out. Faride Alidou and Damion Downs remain questionable.