Stuttgart Hosts Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga Clash

Stuttgart has had a rocky beginning to the 2026-27 season, suffering a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim on September 12, where they failed to capitalize on four significant scoring opportunities. Although they have managed to score at least three goals in three matches across all competitions, their defense has been inconsistent. Notably, five of the nine goals conceded this season were in a 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the opening matchweek. The only clean sheet came during a 4-0 DFB-Pokal victory against Hansa Rostock on August 21.

Manager Sebastian Hoeness has overseen three wins in five games, yet his team has struggled in their last seven Bundesliga fixtures, securing only two victories and enduring two losses. Stuttgart has been strong at home, winning both matches at MHPArena this season by an aggregate score of 7-2, and they are unbeaten in five of their last six home games.

Dortmund secured a 3-0 victory against newly promoted Paderborn on September 12, but it took until the 80th minute for them to score their second goal after leading since the fifth minute. Niko Kovac's Dortmund has won all five matches since losing to Bayern Munich in the Supercup final on August 22, achieving three clean sheets and scoring a total of 16 goals.

Historically, Dortmund has not fared well against Stuttgart, having only won once in the last eight encounters while losing five. However, that solitary victory came in a 2-0 match in April. It is essential for Dortmund to secure a win this weekend, as past seasons have shown they often drop points against teams in trouble, allowing Bayern to close the gap in title races. Dortmund has won both of their away games this season, and a victory this weekend would mark their fourth consecutive away win.

In terms of team news, Stuttgart's slow start can be attributed in part to an injury crisis, with up to eight players potentially sidelined. The injury situation predominantly affects their attacking options, while Dan-Axel Zagadou's absence likely leads to a defensive lineup featuring Finn Jeltsch, Jeff Chabot, and Maximilian Mittelstadt. Deniz Undav remains a key attacking figure, supported by Bilal El Khannouss and Dzenan Pejcinovic.

For Dortmund, there is encouraging news with teenage forward Konstantinos Karetsas possibly rejoining the squad following health issues, although he is unlikely to start ahead of Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Silva. Meanwhile, center-backs Emre Can and Filippo Mane remain out due to injury, but Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Joane Gadou are fit to play.

Based on current form and conditions, a prediction for the match leans towards a 3-1 victory for Borussia Dortmund, considering Stuttgart's defensive struggles this season.