Stuttgart aim to reignite top-four push against Hamburg
VfB Stuttgart host Hamburger SV at the Neckarstadion on Sunday, looking to recover from a late defeat to Borussia Dortmund and solidify their claim for a Champions League place. Sebastian Hoeneß's side dominated much of last week's encounter before conceding twice in the final stages, a result that left them fourth in the Bundesliga table, just ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
With matches away at Bayern Munich and a DFB-Pokal semi-final against Freiburg on the horizon, securing three points this weekend is viewed as crucial for momentum. Stuttgart's European exit at the hands of Porto has at least afforded them a clearer schedule than if they had progressed, providing a potential physical advantage for the season's climax. Their push for a top-four finish is being aided by the inconsistent form of rivals like Hoffenheim, who dropped points in a draw on Friday.
Stuttgart will be forced into at least one change, with captain Atakan Karazor suspended for the match. This is expected to see Chema Andres step into midfield alongside Angelo Stiller. The injury list remains relatively short, with Dan-Axel Zagadou and youngsters Justin Diehl and Lazar Jovanovic the only confirmed absentees.
For Hamburg, the visit represents another key battle in their bid to secure Bundesliga survival following promotion. Sitting 12th, Merlin Polzin's team have their destiny in their own hands but arrive on a three-match winless run in the league. Their season was highlighted by a dramatic 3-2 victory over Stuttgart in the reverse fixture, sealed by a last-gasp Fabio Viera winner, though they suffered a heavy defeat in their last visit to Stuttgart during the 2023 relegation play-offs.
The visitors face significant selection issues, most notably the absence of influential Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic due to a knee injury. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Jean-Luc Dompe, and Miro Muheim, the latter suspended, are also among a lengthy list of players unavailable for the trip south. This will test the depth of a squad that has otherwise adapted well to the top flight after a long absence.
The match pits Stuttgart's European aspirations against Hamburg's survival instincts, with both teams missing key figures. For Stuttgart, a victory is essential to keep pressure on the teams above them, while Hamburg will aim to capitalize on any post-European disappointment and edge closer to securing their status for another season.
