Key Takeaways
- TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart sit level on points in the race for the top four
- The hosts aim to end a winless streak against the Swabians dating back to October 2023
- Both managers face defensive headaches due to suspensions and injuries
Hoffenheim’s fight for a Champions League place has reached a crucial moment. Christian Ilzer’s team started the year well, but their form has dropped recently. They have won only one of their last seven matches. This poor run allowed RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart to pass them in the table.
But Hoffenheim have not given up hope. Andrej Kramarić scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund. They also beat Hamburger SV 2-1 last weekend. At the same time, Stuttgart lost points against Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. Now both clubs have the same number of points in the standings.
History supports the visitors. The last three meetings between these sides finished as draws. Hoffenheim have not beaten Stuttgart since October 2023. Their last home win against the Swabians was in February 2022.
Ilzer faces selection problems. Robin Hranáč and Grischa Prömel cannot play because they are suspended. Valentin Gendrey and Koki Machida are injured. However, Machida and Adam Hložek are training again after long spells on the sidelines.
Hoffenheim could start with a 4-3-3 formation. Oliver Baumann may keep goal behind a defence of Vladimír Coufal, Ozan Kabak, Florian Hajdari and David Jurásek Bernardo. The midfield trio could include Ereblir Avdullahu, Andrej Kramarić and Tomáš Burger. Up front, Ilzer might choose Mario Lemperle, Ilaye Touré and Emir Asllani.
Stuttgart have a busy finish to the season. They left the Europa League in March after losing to FC Porto. But strong results in the Bundesliga moved them from sixth to fourth place.
The Swabians also reached the DFB-Pokal Final. Tiago Tomás scored with a backheel in the 119th minute to beat SC Freiburg 2-1. Now Sebastian Hoeneß’s side face a tough run-in. They play Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt. Then they meet Bayern Munich in the cup final.
The team feels confident. They have lost only two Bundesliga games since February. These defeats came against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Stuttgart also have injury worries. Centre-backs Finn Jeltsch and Ameen Al-Dakhil will miss the match. They may line up in a 3-4-2-1 system with Alexander Nübel in goal. Josha Vagnoman or Leonidas Stergiou could join Anthony Rouault and Maximilian Mittelstädt in defence. The midfield might include Jamie Leweling, Angelo Stiller, Enzo Millot and Chris Führich. Deniz Undav and El Bilal Touré could support striker Ermedin Demirović.