U23s aiming to take step towards survival against Stuttgart II | OneFootball

The Black & Yellow U23s are in 16th position in the table – and therefore narrowly above the relegation places – on 43 points with two matches to go. In the fight for survival, only goal difference separates 15th-placed SV Waldhof Mannheim, BVB and Stuttgart II in the first relegation spot. BVB therefore not only have the chance to pick up three points against their next opponents, but also to take a step towards keeping their place in the division. "It will be all about taking to the pitch as a unit on Friday. This is of course an important phase, but we mustn't overstate it. We can achieve something on Friday and that's what we want to do," said Mike Tullberg following his first week of training. The former BVB U19 coach took over the U23s from Jan Zimmermann during the week.

Away victory in the reverse fixture

BVB won the reverse fixture in December 3-0. It was Borussia's fifth victory in nine head-to-head meetings. VfB have won the other four, meaning there has yet to be a draw between the two opponents. The Swabians are undefeated in their last four matches in the current third-tier campaign (three draws and one victory). "Stuttgart are among the strongest footballing sides in the league. They're very flexible. We therefore need to give the players a clear plan," said Tullberg prior to the clash with a club that has already claimed victories over clubs from the top echelons of the table such as Dynamo Dresden, Energie Cottbus and FC Saarbrücken this calendar year.