VfB Stuttgart vs. Werder Bremen preview: Champions League push meets survival fight

Stuttgart are looking to build on their DFB-Pokal semi-final win against Freiburg on Saturday, as they host Werder Bremen.

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Stuttgart

Stuttgart go into the weekend knowing that Champions League football is within touching distance with four to go.

Sebastian Hoeneß’s side have enjoyed an impressive campaign, bouncing back from last season’s disappointment to establish themselves firmly in the top-four race. 

With four games remaining, Die Schwaben sit fourth, narrowly ahead of their nearest challengers, Hoffenheim.

Consistency, however, remains an issue. Stuttgart have alternated between wins and defeats across their last eight matches in all competitions. 

Still, Thursday’s DFB-Pokal semi-final win over Freiburg - sealed by Tiago Tomas in extra time - booked their place in the final and delivered a timely lift.

Home form may yet prove decisive. Stuttgart have won their last two matches at the MHPArena, their best run there since February, and will hope to build on it as they try to cement their top-four place.

Team news

Stuttgart are still without Finn Jeltsch (abdominal), while Justin Diehl (muscular) and Lazar Jovanović (back) also remain sidelined.

Though, Hoeneß is able to pick from the majority of his squad ahead of the run-in.

Predicted XI - 4-2-3-1: Nübel; Vagnoman, Jaquez, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Undav, El Khannouss; Demirovic

Werder Bremen

Bremen arrive in Stuttgart knowing every point could be vital in their fight to avoid the relegation playoff spot.

Daniel Thioune has overseen a clear upturn since taking charge, though Bremen are still far from safe.

Currently 15th, Die Grün-Weißen hold a five-point cushion over 16th, thanks largely to last weekend’s spirited 3-1 Nordderby win against Hamburg.

Jens Stage’s brace laid the foundation before a late Cameron Puertas strike sealed an important victory.

The result was Bremen’s fourth win in seven matches - a sharp contrast to their previous 13-game winless run - and suggests they have rediscovered form at a crucial stage.

Their away record has also improved, with two wins from their last three on the road.

Still, defeat on Sunday could quickly pull them back into the relegation fight, especially with games running out.

Team news

On the team news front, Werder are dealing with several absentees. 

Marco Grüll is suspended, while Keke Topp (ACL) is out for the season. Victor Boniface remains a doubt with illness, though he could still make the squad.

Defensively, Karl Hein (thumb) and Julian Malatini (ankle ligaments) are ruled out, while Felix Agu and Mitchell Weiser are not expected back yet.

Predicted lineup - 4-3-3: Backhaus; Sugawara, Pieper, Friedl, Deman; Stage, Lynen, Puertas; Njinmah, Milosevic, Schmid