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VfB Stuttgart host sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on Bundesliga Matchday 29, kicking off at 18:30 CEST on Saturday evening. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß is still without Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou , Josha Vagnoman, Lilian Egloff and Anthony Rouault, while Alexander Nübel (muscle problem) is also a doubt. “Alex was on the pitch yesterday and today,” said the VfB boss. “We can’t give the full green light yet and will have to wait until tomorrow [before making a decision].”
Hoeneß is delighted that the Bayern Munich goalkeeper has agreed to extend his loan deal with the club. “I’m pleased Alex will continue to keep goal for us,” he continued. “Ever since his first game, he’s been a key factor for us and caught the eye very quickly with some really good performances. He’s a great lad and the fans will certainly be very pleased he’s staying too.”
Skipper Waldemar Anton, meanwhile, is available again after serving a one-match suspension last weekend.
Focus on Eintracht
Hoeneß regards Frankfurt as a “top opponent with a really good team”, adding: “Frankfurt are sixth in the table and have cemented their place in the top third of the standings. Eintracht have a very good squad with a great deal of pace, particularly in attack. Omar Marmoush, for example, is well known here in Stuttgart and is having a very good season. They’re going to be a tough nut to crack.”
VfB are the only side to win at Eintracht in the Bundesliga this season, after Deniz Undav’s brace secured a 2-1 victory at Deutsche Bank Park in late November. “It was a difficult battle, though,” acknowledged Hoeneß. “Frankfurt, with their fast players, are always capable of causing us problems. We need a highly focused performance on Saturday as well as a good plan with and without the ball.”
MHP Arena sold out
After last weekend’s trip to Dortmund, VfB have once again been allocated the primetime slot on Saturday evening for the visit of Frankfurt, which is already sold out. “Conditions will be outstanding,” Hoeneß said. “We have the chance to pick up points against a top opponent. The team are hungry and will remain so for the final six games. We want to get as many points as possible.”
