Stuttgart, one of the Bundesliga’s strong contenders, is set to face fellow Bundesliga team Union Berlin in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, March 8, 2024. As both teams vie for a spot in the third round of the competition, let’s delve into the predictions, statistics, player lineups, and head-to-head analysis.
Match Preview
Stuttgart’s Remarkable Season
Stuttgart has been on a roll this season, amassing an impressive 50 points from their 24 league matches. Currently sitting in third place in the Bundesliga, they are just four points behind second-placed Bayern Munich. Under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeness, Die Roten have won 16, drawn 2, and lost 6 league games. Their recent form includes a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg.
At home, Stuttgart has been formidable, securing 29 points from 12 matches. Their attacking prowess has seen them net 55 goals so far this season. While the league remains their top priority, Stuttgart has a rich history in the DFB-Pokal, having clinched the title three times, with their last victory in the 1996-97 season.
Union Berlin’s Struggles
Union Berlin, on the other hand, has faced challenges this season. The team, which finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, currently languishes in 14th position. With 25 points from 24 matches, they are eight points ahead of the relegation zone. Head coach Nenad Bjelica has led them to five wins, four draws, and five defeats in his 14 games in charge.
Union Berlin’s goal-scoring woes have been evident, with only 23 goals to their name—the third-worst attacking record in the Bundesliga. Despite a recent four-game unbeaten run, they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
When these two teams clashed in the Bundesliga earlier this season, Stuttgart emerged victorious with a 3-0 win. However, Union Berlin has shown resilience, winning two of their last three league fixtures.
The visitors will be without key players Roberto Massimo, Samuel di Benedetto, Dan-Axel Zagadou, and Nikolas Nartey. Meanwhile, Union Berlin’s lineup will feature Ronnow, Doekhi, Leite, Vogt, Juranovic, Tousart, Khedira, Schafer, Gosens, Volland, and Hollerbach.
Lineups
Stuttgart: Nubel; Rouault, Anton, Ito; Vagnoman, Karazor, Stiller, Mittelstadt; Millot, Guirassy, Fuhrich Union Berlin: Ronnow; Doekhi, Leite, Vogt; Juranovic, Tousart, Khedira, Schafer, Gosens; Volland, Hollerbach.
Union Berlin: Ronnow; Doekhi, Leite, Vogt; Juranovic, Tousart, Khedira, Schafer, Gosens; Volland, Hollerbach.
In this exciting DFB-Pokal encounter, Stuttgart aims to continue their unbeaten streak, while Union Berlin seeks redemption. Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams vie for a place in the next round.
