Borussia Dortmund's Challengers in the Champions League Round of 16
Prepare yourself, soccer fans! On Wednesday, Stuttgart will welcome Borussia Dortmund in the thrilling round of 16 for the Champions League, kickoff at 8:45 pm. Following this exhilarating encounter, Stuttgart will face Leverkusen (December 10) and Bayern (December 17) in their Bundesliga matches. These fierce opponents have frequented the top-flight leagues for over a decade.
VfB Stuttgart, currently holding third place in the league, is eager to demonstrate their mettle. Sporting three consecutive wins, their spirits are high, and they are relishing this high-stakes challenge against Dortmund.
Right-back Pascal Stenzel (27) shared his excitement with the press, "We're delighted to have earned this, and now we're playing such top games at our level. That's cool."
During their last Bundesliga clash three-and-a-half weeks ago, Stuttgart asserted their dominance over Dortmund. Although Sainttot earned a narrow 2:1 win in their home match, Dortmund may have deserved a heavier defeat given the 22:5 scoreline and Stuttgart's superiority that day.
Recently, Stuttgart has exuded more confidence than Dortmund, showcasing a refreshing, attacking style of play. Their impressive performance against Leverkusen last Sunday resulted in a 1-1 draw, while Dortmund has only managed two wins in their last five league matches.
VfB has catapulted into prominence, winning an impressive three consecutive games, playing with confidence and ease. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß (41) no longer hesitates to reveal his lineup, even announceingly instating Undav and Guirassy as the starting front pair for the first time before their 2-0 victory against Bremen. Both players scored a goal each in that game.
"Undav and Guirassy are also starting against Dortmund," Hoeneß proclaimed.
Also Read:
- In the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart sits comfortably in third position, preparing for their Champions League-level test against Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.
- Following their clash with Dortmund, Stuttgart will face Bayer Leverkusen on December 10 and FC Bayern Munich on December 17.
- Pleased to take on top-tier opponents, Fabian Wohlgemuth, the right-back for VfB Stuttgart, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We're delighted to have earned this, and now we're playing such top games at our level. That's cool."
- Recently, Stuttgart has surpassed Dortmund in confidence and form with their invigorating attacking soccer. Despite managing only a 2:1 win against Dortmund three-and-a-half weeks ago, they outplayed their opponent with a 22:5 scoreline advantage.
- Preparing to take on Dortmund, Stuttgart's coach Sebastian Hoeneß announced the pairing of Undav and Guirassy as the starting front two, revealing their collaborative success against Bremen.
Source:
VfB Stuttgart's Expected Lineup and Strategy for the Champions League Round of 16
In light of recent form and Hoeneß's announcements, VfB Stuttgart is anticipated to maintain a strong performance against Borussia Dortmund. These are key factors that might influence their lineup and strategy:
Expected Lineup
VfB Stuttgart is expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Alexander Nübel in goal. The back four will consist of Josha Vagnoman, Julian Chabot, Ramon Hendriks, and Maximilian Mittelstadt.
The midfield unit will feel the influence of Angelo Stiller and Atakan Karazor in the center, while Jacob Bruun Larsen and Jamie Leweling will assume their positions on the flanks. Lastly, the front pair will comprise Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade.
Strategy
Stuttgart's success has largely resulted from utilizing long balls effectively, frequently finding Deniz Undav and other attacking players in prime scoring positions. This tactic has been particularly impactful in their Champions League performances, where Undav has delivered crucial goals.
Stuttgart's impressive domestic form mirrors their continental success, currently unbeaten in the league and advancing in the UEFA Champions League. This winning streak has allowed them to secure a Champions League spot for the first time this season and to build momentum heading into their match against Borussia Dortmund.
Overall, VFB Stuttgart expects to maintain a solid defensive strategy while deepening their potential scoring opportunities by relying on their effective long-ball tactics. This approach has been instrumental in their recent successes and is likely to remain a cornerstone of their strategy against Borussia Dortmund.
