Stuttgart vs Borussia Monchengladbach

The stakes are high for Stuttgart and Borussia Monchengladbach ahead of their mouth-watering Bundesliga showdown at the MHPArena.

Stuttgart’s form is in freefall as they followed a dismal 2-0 defeat at Bundesliga surprise package Mainz with a 4-1 home thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain during midweek. Officially out of the Champions League, Sebastian Hoeness’ side can focus on securing a second successive top-four finish in the Bundesliga, sitting level on points with fifth-placed RB Leipzig pre-round. Before back-to-back multi-goal margin defeats, ‘Die Schwaben’ had won eight of their ten previous outings across all competitions (D1, L1). Stuttgart must rediscover that form sooner rather than later if they’re to post a third consecutive home league victory for the first time this season. Gladbach’s visit bodes well, with ‘Die Roten’ beating this opposition more frequently (44 times) than any other side in their top-flight history. 

Indeed, the history books speak volumes, with Borussia Monchengladbach conceding more away goals in the Bundesliga to only Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund than Stuttgart’s 110. Gerardo Seoane’s charges look destined to worsen that tally as they’ve conceded 3+ goals in three of their last four away league matches (W1). However, the visitors should take this trip in high spirits after a 3-0 rout of bottom-half minnows Bochum to snap a disheartening three-game losing streak and maintain their quest to lock down European qualification. ‘Die Fohlen’ trail their fourth-placed hosts by only five points heading into this weekend, highlighting the potential significance of winning here in the long run. A fast start would aid such aspirations, considering Gladbach’s 100% win ratio in Bundesliga matches when scoring first this season (W7).