Hertha Berlin – Stuttgart : Preview & Prediction
After neutralizing Bayern Munich for nearly 70 minutes, bottom-placed Hertha Berlin finally suffered a 2-0 defeat last Sunday to extend their Bundesliga losing streak to four games. That result is part of a wider string of eight winless matches (E2, P6), but despite currently finding themselves six points off relegation, coach Pál Dárdai is not giving up hope and says “the opportunity is still there” with two of their remaining four home games scheduled against teams also fighting to avoid direct relegation.
The first of those challenges is against Stuttgart, a team the “Old Lady” have beaten in five of their last six (P1) home league clashes. With 17 of their 22 points this season earned at the Olympiastadion, Hertha will have realistic hopes of winning their two remaining home games against bottom-of-the-table opponents, but should be patient during games as six of their last seven home goals have been scored after the 30th minute.
Stuttgart are coming off a 3-2 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal semifinals on Wednesday, leaving them with no further distractions amid their battle to avoid relegation. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß was visibly disappointed, but mentioned that his players “will be preparing to take the next big step this weekend” as they start this matchday just above the relegation playoff spot on goal difference.
On a positive note, Stuttgart have looked better in the league recently, with an unbeaten run of four games (G2, E2) increasing the belief that they can still secure a stay in the top flight of German soccer. The visitors have also proven to be competitive on rival soil of late, picking up five points in their last four away games in league action (G1, E2, P1), a performance that raises hopes they can record a first winning double in this Bundesliga duel since the 1990/91 season after winning the last meeting between the two clubs 2-1.
Players to watch: Suat Serdar has scored three of his last four league goals at home, with all three coming in draws for Hertha, while a Serhou Guirassy goal for Stuttgart could set up a highly attack-minded clash as seven of their last eight league goals were registered in matches that registered more than 2.5 goals.
Weekend stat: In eight of the last 11 matches between Hertha and Stuttgart in Bundesliga action the home side of the occasion scored two or more goals.
Hertha Berlin – Stuttgart : Betting Tips
Stuttgart – Win Odds: 2.25
