Before going into the last international break of the year, Borussia Dortmund face an away trip to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Kick-off is on Saturday at 15:30 CET.

The BVB first team set off on their journey to Stuttgart riding high off their success last time out. On Tuesday, the Black and Yellows won their Champions League home match against Newcastle United 2-0 to go top of Group F. “We played a really great game against Newcastle,” said BVB head coach Edin Terzic, looking back once more before turning his attention to the Bundesliga match. “The personnel situation has not changed. It was very intense, but the guys got through it well.” There are only question marks lingering over Emre Can’s participation. The captain, who has now missed three matches due to injury, was able to complete parts of the training session on Thursday. “Today, we will see how he feels and if he can increase the load in training. But it will be very close for the game,” said Terzic, who was, however, pleased to see Mateu Morey return to the training ground. “We hope that he will remain stable and that we will see him on the pitch at the training ground more frequently during the international break.”

Third against fourth

VfB Stuttgart have been one of this season’s surprise packages. In the summer, VfB secured their spot in Germany’s top tier only in the relegation play-off. However, after seven victories from their first eight games, they have made their best start to a Bundesliga season in the club’s history. However, Stuttgart have lost their last two league matches, falling to defeats against Hoffenheim and Heidenheim. In the cup, the side from Swabia made it into the last 16 with a 1-0 victory against Union Berlin, where they will face BVB on 6 December, meaning the two sides won’t have long to wait before locking horns once again after Saturday.

Currently, VfB lie third in the Bundesliga, one place ahead of BVB, who have the same amount of points, but Stuttgart have the better goal difference. Striker Serhou Guirassy, who scored 14 goals in eight Bundesliga games, had a big hand in Stuttgart’s high-flying start, but was missing for both Bundesliga defeats and in the cup due to a thigh injury. It is not yet certain whether the attacker will return to the squad on Saturday.

“Sebastian Hoeness is doing an outstanding job. You can see that not only in the results, but also in the way they play football,” said Terzic, praising his fellow head coach. “They do very well in possession of the ball, are very flexible and, due to their pace on the wings, are dangerous on the counter-attack. In addition, they are very solid at the back, and haven’t conceded many goals or even allowed their opponents many chances of scoring.” Stuttgart’s impressive tally of just 13 goals conceded represents the fourth best defence in the Bundesliga. Terzic: “They want to stay in the fight at the top of the table. We know that it will be a difficult task for us, but we will also pose a serious challenge to them.”
Christina Reinke

BVB TV by 1&1: The press conference before the match in Stuttgart