Borussia Dortmund Faces VfB Stuttgart in Bundesliga Clash
Match Preview
The Bundesliga matchup on Saturday will see Borussia Dortmund take on VfB Stuttgart, with both teams eager to solidify their standings in the top four.
Dortmund currently holds 61 points after 27 matches, whereas Stuttgart trails with 53 points, eight points behind. Stuttgart’s manager, Sebastian Hoeneß, has lauded the team’s strong home performance, while Dortmund’s Niko Kovac emphasized the importance of consistent performance over the full 90 minutes following their comeback win against Hamburg.
VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund – Key Details
- Date: Saturday, April 4
- Kick-off: 17:30 BST
- Location: MHP Arena, Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s Squad Update
Stuttgart approaches this match with a reasonably stable lineup, although coach Sebastian Hoeneß has some injury concerns to navigate. A significant boost for the team is the return of Jamie Leweling, who has rejoined full training after his calf injury and is likely to be included in the matchday squad.
However, they will be without former Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, who remains out due to a muscle issue, despite making progress in his recovery. Additionally, Justin Diehl and Lazar Jovanovic are also unavailable because of their own injuries.
Deniz Undav, fresh off a successful international break with Germany, will spearhead the attack alongside Ermedin Demirović, as Stuttgart looks to jump ahead of their rivals in the league standings.
Dortmund’s Squad Update
Borussia Dortmund travels to Stuttgart grappling with a notable midfield crisis. Manager Niko Kovac will not have captain Emre Can available for the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. Furthermore, Felix Nmecha is expected to be absent until May with a lateral knee ligament problem.
In light of these injuries, Jobe Bellingham and Carney Chukwuemeka are anticipated to step in alongside veteran Marcel Sabitzer to fill the gap. On the defensive front, Filippo Mané is making strides towards recovery but is not yet ready to return, leaving Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck to hold the fort in defense.
Leading the forward line, Serhou Guirassy will return to face his former club, with support from the speedy Karim Adeyemi and Maximilian Beier, as Dortmund looks to maintain its second-place status against a challenging opponent.
Current Form
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart is in formidable form following an impressive 5-2 victory over Augsburg, which reinstated them into third place. Their strong home performance has consistently bolstered their position, and coach Hoeneß believes the team’s synergy and attacking strategy are becoming more apparent on the field. Having already surpassed their total points from last season, they are determined to hold their ground in the Champions League spots.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund has been among the league’s top performers recently, with their win against Hamburg marking their 18th victory of the season. Kovac has emphasized the need for heightened focus against a Stuttgart side that has improved its standing from the previous season. The visitors recognize that securing a solid result in Stuttgart is crucial for their top-four ambitions.
Predicted Lineups
VfB Stuttgart: Nubel; Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; El Khannouss; Demirovic, Undav
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Reggiani, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Sabitzer, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier
Viewing Information
Fans in the UK can catch the live action of VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund on Sky Sports Football, with streaming options available through Sky Go.
