As the Bundesliga season draws to a close, VfB Stuttgart prepare to host Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Arena this Saturday. Both teams come into this match with contrasting fortunes and objectives, making it a fixture worth keeping an eye on.
Date: 18/05/2024
Kick-off time: 14:30
Location: MHPArena
Stuttgart’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Currently sitting in 2nd place with 70 points from 33 matches, they are poised to secure their highest Bundesliga finish since the 2006/07 season. This resurgence under manager Sebastian Hoeneß has been characterised by a blend of tactical discipline and attacking prowess. Hoeneß has moulded his side into a formidable unit, employing a well-structured mid-block out of possession, which has made them particularly difficult to break down. This defensive solidity is complemented by a dynamic attacking approach that utilises width effectively and floods the final third with bodies, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
One of the standout aspects of Stuttgart’s success has been the form of their forwards, Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav. Guirassy, with 26 goals, and Undav, with 18, are among the Bundesliga’s top four scorers this season. Their clinical finishing and ability to link up play have been instrumental in Stuttgart’s impressive campaign. The prospect of Champions League football next season for the first time since 2009/10 has injected a renewed sense of optimism and excitement among the Stuttgart faithful.
In stark contrast, Borussia Monchengladbach have endured a disappointing season. They find themselves in 13th place with 34 points from 33 games, a significant drop from their performance last season. Under the guidance of Gerardo Seoane, Gladbach have struggled to find consistency, both in defence and attack. While they have managed to score 56 goals, their defensive frailties have been glaring, conceding 63 goals – a statistic that has largely contributed to their lower mid-table position.
Despite their struggles, Gladbach have managed to secure their Bundesliga status for next season, having accumulated enough points to avoid the relegation playoff. However, their position is far from secure, as they could still finish as low as 15th depending on the outcome of the final matchday. This precarious situation underscores the challenges Seoane has faced in stabilising the team’s performance throughout the campaign.
Stuttgart’s tactical approach under Hoeneß has been a key factor in their success this season. The team’s mid-block strategy out of possession has provided a solid defensive foundation, making it difficult for opponents to play through them. This structure has been complemented by their ability to transition quickly into attack, utilising the width provided by their wingers and full-backs.
In attack, the partnership between Guirassy and Undav has been particularly fruitful. Guirassy’s physical presence and aerial ability have made him a constant threat in the box, while Undav’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing have added a different dimension to Stuttgart’s forward play. The combination of these two strikers has been a nightmare for opposing defences and will be a key area for Gladbach to address.
For Gladbach, the focus will likely be on shoring up their defensive vulnerabilities while trying to exploit Stuttgart’s defence on the counter-attack. Seoane may look to the creativity and pace of players like Alassane Pléa and Marcus Thuram to break down Stuttgart’s defence
The recent head-to-head record between these two sides has been fairly even, with both teams winning two of the last five meetings, while the other match ended in a draw. When they met earlier in the season, Gladbach emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, a result they will be keen to replicate to end their season on a positive note.
For Stuttgart, this match represents an opportunity to cap off a fantastic season with a strong finish, potentially securing their highest league position in over a decade. The prospect of Champions League football next season is a significant motivator, and a victory would not only bolster their points tally but also serve as a statement of intent for their ambitions next season.
On the other hand, Gladbach will be looking to salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign. Finishing the season on a high with a positive result against one of the top teams in the league could provide a much-needed morale boost and a foundation to build on for next season. Seoane will undoubtedly be keen to address the defensive issues that have plagued his side and ensure a more balanced performance.
Bundesliga 
