Stuttgart – B. Monchengladbach : Preview & Prediction
Although Stuttgart have the DFB-Pokal semi-final match in midweek, this game is arguably far more important for the club as they are embroiled in what the Bundesliga has described as the “tightest relegation battle of all time”. The home side have done well to rebound in the last two rounds to maintain an unbeaten run of three games (G1, E2), although their job is far from complete with a two-point gap to the red zone before the start of this matchday.
The fact that Stuttgart have not won at home since February may be a concern (E1, P2), as may the fact that they have yet to defeat any of the current top ten teams, including Borussia Mönchengladbach, in league action (E5, P12). However, Stuttgart can find some solace in the knowledge that they have earned ten of a possible 12 points in the last four meetings between them at home in the league. Last season’s 3-2 result proved crucial, as they avoided relegation by just one point.
Entering this matchday 11 points clear of the bottom three and as many points clear of the top six, Gladbach have little to play for in the last five league games other than trying to finish in the top half. Still, the “Foals” and Daniel Farke-led side have the chance to record their first winning double over Stuttgart in the league since the 2015/16 season after a big 3-1 win in the reverse fixture.
Farke’s side had a four-game unbeaten run that ended with a minimal margin in a 1-0 loss to Union Berlin, a side looking to clinch a place in next season’s Champions League, last matchday. They could face another tough test of their credentials in the top half here after winning just one of their seven away league games against teams that start this round below them in the standings (G1, E2, P4).
Players to watch: Stuttgart winger Borna Sosa assisted his team’s only goal in the previous meeting between these two sides, and also provided an assist in the team’s most recent win. As a result, he is now just one assist away from equaling his Bundesliga single-season best (seven assists). Gladbach will be without the influential Marcus Thuram through injury, so they may look to Alassane Pléa for an outlet. The Frenchman has provided assists in Gladbach’s only two wins since the beginning of February.
Weekend stat: Stuttgart’s tally of eight early goals this season is one of the lowest of all Bundesliga clubs, while they have lost or drawn half of their league matches in doing so (G4, E2, P2).
Stuttgart – B. Monchengladbach : Betting Tips
Stuttgart – Win Odds: 1.90
