VfB Stuttgart host Borussia Dortmund at the MHP Arena on Saturday at 18:30 in Bundesliga Matchday 4. The Swabians face a tough task with several key players injured, while the visitors arrive in fine form sitting third in the table.
Under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart currently occupy 14th place with three points from three matches. A recent 2-1 loss away to Hoffenheim interrupted a run. The last meeting with Dortmund ended in a 2-0 defeat back in April.
Hoeneß forced to reshuffle
A lengthy injury list complicates team selection. Defenders Dan Zagadou, Lorenz Assignon, and Luca Jaquez are all sidelined, joining long-term absentees goalkeeper Dennis Seimen and forward Tiago Tomás. Midfielder Jarzinho Malanga is also out.
This forces a defensive reshuffle. Josha Vagnoman, the team's top scorer this season with two goals, will be key. The likely lineup may resemble the one from Hoffenheim, with Fabian Bredlow in goal and a back four of Vagnoman, Jérôme Chabot, Ruben Hendriks, and Finn Jeltsch. Midfield duties need redistributing.
Opponent in high gear
Borussia Dortmund travel south with five wins from their last five competitive matches. Coach Edin Terzić can call upon an established side featuring goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and attackers like Serhou Guirassy and Fábio Silva. Only defender Filippo Mané and midfielder Giannis Konstantelias are injured.
For Stuttgart, this match is a key barometer ahead of the international break. The club's full schedule is available on the fixtures page, and the latest squad news including injuries can be found on the squad page.
Kick-off at the MHP Arena is scheduled for 18:30 on Saturday.
