Stuttgart endeavors to extend their undefeated streak in the Bundesliga to seven consecutive matches as they prepare to host Union Berlin at the MHPArena on Friday evening. Positioned third in the league standings, the hosts trail second-placed Bayern Munich by four points, whereas Union Berlin currently holds the 14th spot, with an eight-point advantage over FC Koln, who sits in 16th place.
Match preview
Stuttgart has concluded its last two Bundesliga seasons in the 15th and 16th positions respectively, with no top-three finish since the 2008-09 campaign. However, the current season has witnessed a significant improvement for Die Roten, securing the third spot with 50 points garnered from 24 league matches in 2023-24.
Under the management of Sebastian Hoeness, Stuttgart has amassed 16 victories, two draws, and six losses in the ongoing season. They are entering the upcoming match with a six-game undefeated streak in the Bundesliga.
Their recent form showcases five wins and a draw in the last six Bundesliga fixtures, including a 3-2 triumph over Wolfsburg in the previous encounter. Notably, Stuttgart has demonstrated strength in home games, accumulating 29 points from 12 matches, whereas their upcoming opponent, Union Berlin, has only secured two away victories in the current league season.
In the reverse fixture held in October, Stuttgart clinched a 3-0 win against Union Berlin. However, Union Berlin has displayed improvement lately, winning two of their last three Bundesliga matches, although they currently find themselves in 14th place, a significant decline from their fourth-place finish in the previous season.
Union Berlin’s league performance this season includes seven wins, four draws, and 13 defeats, accumulating 25 points so far, placing them eight points clear of the relegation zone. The appointment of Nenad Bjelica as head coach aimed to address the team’s struggles earlier in the campaign, with Bjelica overseeing five wins, four draws, and five defeats in 14 matches at the helm.
Despite a recent 2-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin had been on a four-game unbeaten run prior to the clash. However, their offensive output remains a concern, having scored only 23 goals this season, the third-lowest in the Bundesliga. Union Berlin faces a tough challenge against Stuttgart, who have netted 55 goals in their 24 league matches this term.
Team News
Stuttgart will be deprived of the contributions of four key first-team members for the upcoming fixture, as Roberto Massimo, Samuel di Benedetto, Dan-Axel Zagadou, and Nikolas Nartey are unavailable for selection.
Additionally, Genki Haraguchi’s participation is contingent upon his recovery from an illness, necessitating further assessment.
Highly sought-after Serhou Guirassy, boasting 20 goals in the Bundesliga throughout the 2023-24 season, will spearhead Stuttgart’s offensive efforts once again on Friday. Enzo Millot is expected to maintain his position on the flank.
On the Union Berlin side, Oluwaseun Ogbemudia remains uncertain due to injury, while Robin Gosens returns to the lineup following a suspension.
The composition of the away team’s starting lineup is anticipated to adhere to a 3-5-2 formation, with Rani Khedira occupying a central midfield role.
Although Kevin Volland has registered only two Bundesliga goals this season, he is slated to feature prominently in the attacking third alongside Benedict Hollerbach, who is poised for another starting opportunity.
Stuttgart possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Rouault, Anton, Ito; Vagnoman, Karazor, Stiller, Mittelstadt; Millot, Guirassy, Fuhrich
Union Berlin possible starting lineup:
Ronnow; Doekhi, Leite, Vogt; Juranovic, Tousart, Khedira, Schafer, Gosens; Volland, Hollerbach