VfB Stuttgart travel to face Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga on Saturday (15:30 local time) riding a wave of confidence from four consecutive wins. The team's latest victory was a commanding 3-0 away win at Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Wednesday. Their recent form shows four wins and one loss from the last five matches.
Their hosts Hamburg are just one place behind in 12th, adding significance to this matchday six encounter. The last meeting between the clubs ended in a comprehensive 4-0 home win for Stuttgart back in April. In the standings, Stuttgart are seven points behind the league leaders.
Hoeneß has selection options
The recent run of results provides the manager with plenty of options for his starting eleven. Against Bratislava, Hoeneß deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bredlow in goal behind a back four of Vagnoman, Finn Jeltsch, Chabot and Hendriks. The goals came from Deniz Undav (29'), an own goal (64'), and Ermedin Demirović (90'). Chabot and Führich were also on target in the 2-0 win at SC Paderborn. The goals in Bratislava were assisted by Angelo Stiller and Lorenz Assignon.
Hamburg arrive with momentum of their own after a 3-2 away win at TSG Hoffenheim. They used a 3-5-1-1 system in that match, with Heuer Fernandes in goal and Poulsen leading the line. Stuttgart will face a defensively organised side.
Momentum is building
Stuttgart's current form curve is impressive. Following a 2-1 loss at Hoffenheim and a 1-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund, the team recorded two convincing friendly wins against Fürth (5-0) and Heidenheim (3-0). They then passed tougher tests in the competitive fixtures at Paderborn and in the Champions League. With eight goals scored and nine conceded this season, the attack has found its efficiency. Their recent competitive results include a 3-0 win at Slovan Bratislava, a 2-0 win at SC Paderborn, a 5-0 win over Fürth, and a 3-0 win over Heidenheim.
The victory in Bratislava was particularly important for morale ahead of the trip north. The overall team performance, from a solid defence to clinical finishing, provides reason for optimism. The upcoming matches on the fixtures list will show if this positive dynamic can be sustained.
The Northern derby at the Volksparkstadion kicks off at 15:30 on Saturday. A win could propel VfB Stuttgart significantly up the congested Bundesliga mid-table.
