TSG Hoffenheim vs. VfB Stuttgart preview: Hosts search for first points in Baden-Schwaben clash
| TSG Hoffenheim celebrate against Borussia Dortmund on 5th September 2026. | Sona Maletrova/Getty Images |
Hoffenheim
After heading into the new campaign with European ambitions, Hoffenheim have endured a difficult opening two weeks, losing both Bundesliga matches 3-2.
Christian Ilzer's side were beaten by FC Köln on opening weekend despite taking the lead twice, before suffering an even more painful defeat against Borussia Dortmund last Saturday.
Leon Avdullahu and Tim Lemperle put Hoffenheim 2-0 ahead at the PreZero Arena, but goals from Serhou Guirassy and Fabio Silva brought Dortmund level before Albian Hajdari's late own goal completed the turnaround.
Having now surrendered leads in both of their league outings, Ilzer will be desperate to see his side get their first points on the board when Stuttgart make the short trip to Sinsheim.
Last season's corresponding fixture produced a thriller, with Hoffenheim racing into a 3-1 lead before ten-man Stuttgart fought back to earn a 3-3 draw courtesy of Tiago Tomas' stoppage-time equaliser. Andrej Kramaric scored twice for the hosts, while Chris Führich and Ermedin Demirovic were also among the goalscorers.
Team news
Hoffenheim head into the weekend with few major injury concerns, although Fisnik Asllani remains a doubt as he works his way back to full match fitness.
Alexander Prass is also doubtful with a muscle issue, while Kramaric will push for a bigger role after coming off the bench against Dortmund.
Tim Lemperle should retain his place after scoring on his return to the starting lineup last weekend.
Click here to see our predicted Hoffenheim lineup
VfB Stuttgart
After a bruising start to the Bundesliga season, Stuttgart have quickly found their rhythm again.
Sebastian Hoeneß's side were beaten 5-1 by Bayern Munich on opening night, but responded emphatically by putting four past Köln at the MHP Arena last Friday.
Bilal El Khannouss, Grischa Prömel, Ermedin Demirovic and Josha Vagnoman all found the net in the 4-1 victory, giving Stuttgart their first three points of the new campaign.
Die Schwaben then carried that momentum into Europe on Wednesday night, beating Viking 3-1 in their Champions League opener.
Demirovic stole the show on that occasion, scoring a remarkable 12-minute first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart marked their return to Europe's elite competition with a victory.
Now returning to Bundesliga action just three days later, Hoeneß's side will be hoping to make it three consecutive wins in all competitions and continue their recovery from that opening-night defeat in Munich.
Team news
Stuttgart continue to deal with a lengthy injury list, with Dan-Axel Zagadou, Nikolas Nartey, Justin Diehl, Dennis Seimen, Tiago Tomas and Jeremy Arevalo all ruled out.
Lorenz Assignon and Luca Jaquez are also considered doubtful, leaving Hoeneß with limited options in defence.
With such a short turnaround from Wednesday night's Champions League fixture, some rotation could be on the cards, although Demirovic will be difficult to leave out following his midweek hat-trick.
