On Saturday, two Bundesliga teams positioned at contrasting ends of the table will clash at the MHPArena as top-four contenders Stuttgart welcome relegation-threatened FC Koln.
The visiting Billy Goats are eager to avenge their previous loss, having suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Die Roten in the reverse fixture five months ago.
Match preview
Following their initial setbacks in the Bundesliga for 2024, Stuttgart has rebounded impressively, securing victories in each of their last four matches. During this period, they have found the net 13 times, including two goals in the recent 2-1 triumph against SV Darmstadt 98.
Star forward Serhou Guirassy swiftly propelled Die Roten into the lead with his 18th goal of the season, marking his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with a decisive contribution. However, the match’s first half was marred by interruptions, including a prolonged delay due to protests from supporters, and culminated in Pascal Stenzel’s expulsion after receiving two yellow cards.
Despite being reduced to ten men for the entirety of the second half, Stuttgart exhibited resilience and sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal from Mahmoud Dahoud. Although Aaron Seydel managed to pull one back for Darmstadt, Stuttgart successfully held on to secure their 15th league win of the campaign.
This victory has solidified Sebastian Hoeness’s team in third place in the Bundesliga standings, establishing a five-point gap over fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund. Furthermore, they have narrowed the deficit to second-placed Bayern Munich to just four points.
Eager to secure a coveted Champions League spot, Stuttgart aims to capitalize on their recent momentum and continue their dominance against Koln, against whom they have suffered only one defeat in their last ten Bundesliga encounters.
On the other hand, Koln’s recent three-game unbeaten streak in the top flight came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Werder Bremen. Despite their determined efforts to find an equalizer, substitute Justin Njinmah’s 70th-minute goal proved decisive for Bremen.
With just 12 Bundesliga matches remaining, Timo Schultz’s team finds themselves perilously positioned, hovering above the relegation playoff spot by a single point and trailing six points behind the safety margin.
Facing a challenging schedule ahead, including encounters with league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and top-four contenders RB Leipzig, Koln must address their offensive shortcomings. With the fewest goals scored in the Bundesliga this season, they face a daunting task against Stuttgart and must rediscover their scoring touch to avoid extending their goalless streak for four consecutive matches.
Team News
Stuttgart will face an injury setback as striker Deniz Undav suffered a hamstring injury in their previous match against Darmstadt. He will join Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou (both dealing with knee injuries), and Samuele Di Benedetto (recovering from a calf injury) on the sidelines.
Additionally, there are doubts over the availability of first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, who has been nursing a hip problem and missed the last two games. In his potential absence, Fabian Bredlow may continue to deputize in goal. Furthermore, the suspension of Pascal Stenzel will likely lead to Josha Vagnoman filling in at right-back.
Enzo Millot is expected to step in for Undav and operate in the number 10 role behind central striker Serhou Guirassy. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Dahoud is pushing for a midfield start, potentially displacing Angelo Stiller.
On the Koln side, Davie Selke (foot), Mark Uth (knee), and Luca Waldschmidt (recovering from a broken leg) remain sidelined due to injury concerns. Damion Downs (dealing with concussion) and Faride Alidou (suffering from illness) are set to undergo assessments before the match.
However, Koln will welcome back Julian Chabot from suspension, likely slotting him into the center-back position alongside Benno Schmitz, Timo Hubers, and Max Finkgrafe in a four-man defense.
Manager Timo Schultz is unlikely to make significant changes in the attacking department, with Jan Thielmann expected to lead the frontline, supported by Linton Maina, Florian Kainz, and Dejan Ljubicic.
Stuttgart possible starting lineup:
Bredlow; Vagnoman, Anton, Ito, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Millot, Fuhrich; Guirassy
FC Koln possible starting lineup:
Schwabe; Schmitz, Hubers, Chabot, Finkgrafe; Martel, Huseinbasic; Maina, Kainz, Ljubicic; Thielmann