VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: BVB put perfect start on the line

VfB Stuttgart has experienced a mixed start to the Bundesliga season, with three varied results from their first outings. Following a disappointing 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich at the start of the campaign, the team bounced back by defeating Köln 4-1 at home. However, they were unable to capitalize on their momentum, losing 2-1 to Hoffenheim in their last match. Currently sitting with three points, VfB Stuttgart face their most challenging home fixture of the season against Borussia Dortmund.

Stuttgart holds a historical advantage against Dortmund, having triumphed 5-1 in a memorable encounter at Neckarstadion in September 2024. They also had a strong record before Dortmund secured a 2-0 victory in last season's corresponding fixture after scoring late goals. Facing Dortmund in perfect form, Stuttgart's manager, Sebastian Hoeneß, has emphasized the importance of improving defensive stability while preserving their attacking prowess, a challenge exacerbated by recent difficulties in defending transitions.

Injury concerns surround VfB Stuttgart, with goalkeeper Angelo Stiller's availability uncertain following a knock against Hoffenheim. Nikolas Nartey is also close to returning to the lineup, while Dan-Axel Zagadou, Luca Jaquez, Lorenz Assignon, and Tiago Tomas are on the mend from injuries. Dennis Seimen and Justin Diehl have been intermittently training, potentially returning after the international break, with Seimen possibly returning to the team.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, has started their Bundesliga season with a perfect record, winning all three matches and scoring a total of eight goals. Led by their manager Niko Kovac, who has been buoyed by the team's success, Dortmund opened their campaign with a 2-0 win against Hamburg, followed by a remarkable comeback against Hoffenheim 3-2 after trailing by two goals.

Their recent 3-0 victory against newly-promoted Paderborn at Signal Iduna Park further solidified their dominance. With a total of nine points from three wins, Dortmund has also excelled in other competitions this season, including the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.

As Dortmund prepare for the high-scoring showdown against Stuttgart, they boast a strong squad, with key players such as Konstantinos Karetsas, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Ramy Bensebaini recovering from recent setbacks. Victory in this crucial encounter will mark Borussia Dortmund's perfect start in the Bundesliga, a historic milestone in their rivalry with VfB Stuttgart.