Our next opponents: The two sides of VfB Stuttgart

Position

VfB Stuttgart have shown two sides to their form so far: The Swabians have impressed on the European stage with strong performances in the group stage of the Champions League, but they have fallen well short of expectations in the Bundesliga. VfB have lost four of their last five Bundesliga fixtures. After seven games, they have just six points and sit in 15th place – their worst start to a season in four years. Last weekend, Ermedin Demirovic gave Stuttgart an early lead at home against bottom-of-the-table Borussia Mönchengladbach. But VfB allowed their opponents back into the game. After levelling, Gladbach turned the match around and scored three goals. Demirovic’s second goal in the 83rd minute came too late. “We didn’t put up enough resistance against the negative trend developing during the match,” admitted Sebastian Hoeneß, describing it as a “major wake-up call”.

The picture is completely different in the Champions League. After three matches, Stuttgart remain unbeaten with seven points and are sixth in the table. Their 4–1 victory over Viking FK was followed by a commanding 3–0 win at Slovan Bratislava. They then secured a 1–1 draw against Atlético Madrid, demonstrating once again the potential they possess. On 3 November, three days after the match in Leverkusen, Hoeneß’s side continue their Champions League campaign with an away fixture at Galatasaray.

VfB are still in the DFB Pokal. Their 4–0 opening-round victory against third-tier side Hansa Rostock was followed on Wednesday night by a 1–0 win at SC Paderborn. Stuttgart struggled for much of the match, initially squandering numerous clear-cut chances while having an extra man following the red card shown to Paderborn captain Curda (37’). It was only in stoppage time that Deniz Undav’s goal secured their place in the DFB Pokal Round of 16, the stage where VfB went on to reach the final in each of the past two seasons.

Personnel

At the BayArena on Saturday, Hoeneß will still be without full-back Josha Vagnoman and centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou. Both are sidelined with thigh injuries. Midfield linchpin Angelo Stiller, who has started in all twelve VfB matches so far, may also be unavailable. The Germany international had to be substituted at half-time in Paderborn due to muscular problems. The availability of striker Tiago Tomas is also in doubt (he is behind in training following a thigh injury).

Recently, Hoeneß has consistently fielded his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. In goal, 20-year-old Dennis Seimen and veteran Fabian Bredlow take turns. In the back four, centre-backs Jeff Chabot, Finn Jeltsch and Ramon Hendriks are regulars. The latter, along with full-back Maximilian Mittelstädt, is currently among the defenders with the best completed challenge rates in the league. In central midfield – should Stiller be unavailable – new signing Grischa Prömel (TSG Hoffenheim) and Atakan Karazor are likely to start. Hoeneß has plenty of options up front. Alongside the established players Bilal El Khannouss, Chris Führich, Ermedin Demirovic, Jamie Leweling, Tiago Tomas and Deniz Undav, new signings Dzenan Pejcinovic (VfL Wolfsburg) and Leo Sauer (Feyenoord) have also been wearing the VfB ringed jersey this term.

Problems

The contrast between strong, skilful performances, such as against Atlético Madrid, and inconsistent displays, as against Mönchengladbach, currently seems to be Stuttgart’s biggest problem. There is still a lack of consistency both within individual matches and overall. “We need more hunger and determination; we have to see things through to the end,” declared Hoeneß. The star-studded attack is not yet realising its full potential. Germany international Undav, who was the second highest goalscorer last season with 19 goals behind Harry Kane, has yet to score in the Bundesliga this term, as do the attacking trio of Leweling, Pejcinovic and Sauer. When it comes to converting chances, Stuttgart are languishing near the bottom of the relevant stats. The defence, too, is not yet as solid as it was at the same stage of the 2025/26 season, when the Swabians conceded just six goals after seven games – they have already conceded more than twice that number (13) this season.

Performers

In terms of their style of play, VfB are undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in the Bundesliga. Quick transitions, high-tempo wing play led by the skilful dribblers Führich, Leweling and Khannouss, plus three proven goalscorers in Undav, Pejcinovic and Demirovic – the Swabians’ attack has enormous potential. The latter is currently the VfB’s most dangerous striker, having scored seven goals in twelve matches. Dominating possession and high pressing characterise the style of football that Sebastian Hoeneß wants to see from his team – and he saw that most recently against Atlético Madrid. In their clash with the top Spanish club, VfB were incisive, determined and aggressive in their pressing right from the start. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth subsequently described it as their best performance of the season so far.