VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Die Schwaben in need of reaction | OneFootball

VfB Stuttgart

After a strong start to 2025 that propelled Die Schwaben into the top four, Stuttgart have now lost two matches in a week, against Mainz and Paris Saint Germain respectively.

Wednesday's defeat in the Champions League saw Sebastian Hoeneß's men eliminated from the competition at the first hurdle, joining RB Leipzig as the second German club to bow out.

Despite headline wins against Juventus and Young Boys, as well as a dominant performance in Bratislava, heads are left scratching regarding dropped points against both Sparta Prague and Red Star Belgrade, leaving VfB with a precarious task welcoming PSG to MHPArena.

Attentions now turn back to the Bundesliga, and next week's DFB-Pokal quarter-final against Augsburg. The lack of ‘Englische Woche’ (English weeks/midweek matches) will likely play a huge role in the club's fortunes as the season's crunch point approaches.

VfB emerged as 3-1 winners against Borussia Mönchengladbach on their travels in September, and Hoeneß will fancy his side's chances yet again this weekend, thanks to a strong home record involving five wins in their last seven Bundesliga encounters on home soil.

Team News

For Stuttgart, midfielder and captain Atakan Karazor is unavailable for this weekend's fixture due to suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards. The same can be said for centre-back Jeff Chabot, who will also miss matchweek 20.

Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel is likely to be back in between the sticks after returning to training following sickness ruling him out of Wednesday's Champions League loss. Whilst Ameen-Al Dakhil could start alongside Anthony Rouault at centre-back for Stuttgart, despite reports suggesting that a bid from Rennes has arrived for Rouault today.

El Bilal Toure, Justin Diehl, and Dan-Axel Zagadou all remain unavailable for selection.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

In regards to Gladbach's season, fortunes have been inconsistent both in terms of results and performances. However, despite this temperamental nature, Die Fohlen sit just four points behind sixth-placed Mainz, who currently sit well within the race for European football.

Last weekend's 3-0 win against strugglers Bochum provided the first clean sheet for Gladbach in eight matches, whilst also being a respite from conceding after leaking eight goals in the previous two outings prior to last week's win.

Slight concerns remain present regarding the away form of Gerardo Seaone's side, with Gladbach winning just one of their last nine matches on their travels. In 2025, these struggles have been even more prevalent, with 5-1, and 3-1 losses against Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen making up the two away results so far in the calendar year.

Team News

The only major absences for Gladbach remain that of Alassane Plea and Franck Honorat who is out of contention until May with a broken ankle.

Talismanic striker Tim Kleindienst is likely to start alongside Robin Hack, Tomas Cvancara and Kevin Stöger in forward areas. Whilst Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl are likely to operate as the midfield pairing for Die Fohlen.