Preparing for a Tough Night: BVB Faces Stuttgart in DFB Cup Round of 16
VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund will square off in the DFB Cup round of 16 at their home ground. This clash was determined in the draw held at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Set for December 5 or 6, the exact match day hasn't been announced yet. Ahead of their league encounter on December 3 (3:30 PM/Sky), the two German powerhouses will take the field in the cup game.
The Swabians flexed their muscles against TSG Balingen (4-0) and 1. FC Union Berlin (1-0) in the early stages of the tournament. Meanwhile, Dortmund knocked out TSV Schott Mainz (6-1) and TSG Hoffenheim (1-0).
As both sides brace for a fierce showdown, VfB Stuttgart is eager to make an impression at home in the DFB Cup round of 16. Meetings between these two Bundesliga competitors, renowned for their on-field prowess, are lined up for either Dec. 5 or 6.
Stuttgart's Rise and Dortmund's Struggle
Leading up to the match, the teams have shown contrasting performances:
VfB Stuttgart:
- Recent Form: After a hard-fought victory against Augsburg in the DFB Cup semifinals (1-0), Stuttgart has been on a winning streak. Effective defense and creativity in attack have been pivotal in their success[1][3].
- Current Position: Climbing up the Bundesliga standings, Stuttgart is positioned fifth with 32 points, following an impressive run of wins[1][3].
- DFB Cup Progress: The team advanced to the DFB Cup semifinals by defeating Augsburg 1-0[1][3].
Borussia Dortmund:
- Recent Form: Struggling in the recent past, Dortmund hasn't earned any points during their last four matches, encompassing three consecutive Bundesliga losses. Their form has drastically deteriorated, dropping them from sixth place to 11th place in the Bundesliga[2].
- Current Position: Positioned 11th in the Bundesliga table with 29 points, Dortmund trails behind the Champions League qualification spots by seven points[2].
- New Coach: Niko Kovac, the new coach, stressed on the importance of scoring points and acknowledged that Stuttgart has made significant progress under Sebastian Hoeneß, playing an aggressive style of football while pressing high on defense[3].
Given the disparate performances, Stuttgart seems poised to take advantage of Dortmund's current inconsistencies in the battle for supremacy in the DFB Cup round of 16.
