Stuttgart vs Mainz preview: Both sides looking for first league win
VfB Stuttgart
Sebastian Hoeneß and his Stuttgart side suffered a shock defeat against Baden-Württemberg neighbours SC Freiburg on matchday one in the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, losing 3-1 at Europa-Park Stadion.
Hoeneß and his men registered their first competitive victory of the season on Tuesday evening after losses in both the SuperCup to Leverkusen and in the league to Freiburg. VfB overcame Preußen Münster by five goals to nil away from home in the DFB Pokal, with multiple standout performances throwing certain individuals into the hat with a chance of starting against Mainz this weekend. ”
Team News
After a substitute appearance against Freiburg and subsequent Pokal performance, Sebastian Hoeneß has confirmed that 20-year-old Japanese defender Anrie Chase will start at centre-back alongside summer signing Jeff Chabot amid Stuttgart's defensive injury crisis.
Angelo Stiller will likely drop back into midfield alongside Atakan Karazor after both netted in midweek, with Stiller moving back into his natural position after covering for the injured Anthony Roualt alongside Chabot in Freiburg.
Ermedin Demirovic will also look to carry on his promising start to the campaign after netting in both of his competitive outings in the white and red of Stuttgart thus far.
VfB go into the encounter without new arrival Ameen Al-Dakhil (muscle), Dan-Axel Zagadou (fitness), Anthony Roualt (shoulder), Leonidas Stergiou (back) and Joshua Vagnoman (fitness). Midfielder Nikolas Nartey is also a doubt.
Mainz 05
Die Nullfünfers will undoubtedly provide a tough test for Stuttgart however, with Bo Henriksen's side carrying a ten-match unbeaten run, stretching back to March.
The visitors played their part in a 1-1 draw with Union Berlin on matchday one, and look to collect three points for the first time this season as they travel to Stuttgart.
After a sumptuous free-kick against Union, midfielder Nadiem Amiri has set his sights on regaining his place in the German national team, with the performances of Amiri set to be crucial for the club this campaign after key summer losses, including Brajan Gruda, who recently made the switch to Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
Team News
The visitors most certainly do not face the same plethora of problems as Stuttgart. Maxim Leitsch is the only major doubt, with the defender being replaced by Stefan Bell during their opening-day draw.
Elsewhere, Bo Henriksen has a fully fit group to pick from, with individuals such as Armindo Sieb and Paul Nebel pushing for a place in the starting XI after substitute appearances last week.
