#VFBTSG: Derby with potential for drama

Did you know that…

…TSG have recently struggled in Stuttgart?

VfB Stuttgart are unbeaten in five Bundesliga home games against Hoffenheim and have taken 13 out of a possible 15 points in that time. TSG’s last win in Stuttgart came almost nine years ago, when they triumphed 2-0 thanks to goals from Anthony Modeste and Tarik Elyounoussi.

…Stuttgart have not yet won back-to-back games?

If VfB triumph on Saturday, they will definitely stay up. However, Stuttgart have not won two matches in a row this season. If TSG win, Stuttgart’s Bundesliga survival will be dependent on the results of VfL Bochum’s clash with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Schalke 04’s game away to RB Leipzig.

…VfB rarely keep clean sheets?

VfB Stuttgart have only managed to avoid conceding a goal in two matches this season. That’s the worst record of any Bundesliga club.

…Stuttgart’s chance conversion has room for improvement?

Stuttgart have registered the fourth-most shots at goal this season, but they have only scored 44 goals – only four teams have found the net on fewer occasions. No club has a lower percentage when it comes to converting major chances (34%); TSG, by contrast, have converted 51% of their top chances – the second-best record in this category.

…Andrej Kramarić made history last Saturday?

TSG striker Andrej Kramarić scored his 99th and 100th Bundesliga goals against Union Berlin – in the period since he made his debut in the division on 23 January 2016, Robert Lewandowski (204) is the only other player to reach this milestone. The Croat scored twice in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

…TSG can only be relegated theoretically?

Hoffenheim’s top-flight status is not yet 100% mathematically guaranteed, but in light of their three-point lead and superior goal difference (+26) vis-à-vis VfL Bochum, who occupy 16th place in the table, TSG justifiably celebrated staying up in what has been a very difficult season last Saturday.

…the coaches both sat in the opposition dugout last season?

On Matchday 34 of last season, Sebastian Hoeness sat on the TSG bench while Pellegrino Matarazzo celebrated staying up in dramatic fashion with VfB Stuttgart. They have now switched sides and will be going up against their former clubs.