A Farewell to Home? Stuttgart's Last-Ditch Effort Against Augsburg
upcoming VfB Stuttgart match at home: what level of spectacle can be expected this occasion? - Upcoming Home Game's Anticipated Spectacle: What Can We Expect This Time Around?
Enough goals, rad sunglasses with Champions League label - during the last home games of a season, VfB Stuttgart has been a sight to behold. But this time, it seems the Swabians have little at stake against FC Augsburg on Sunday (7:30 PM/DAZN). A few spots in the table and the accompanying TV money - that's it. The chances of clinching the Europa League spot through the league are slim. But the home curse needs to be broken, declares coach Sebastian Hoeneß.
Home Turf Blues
Stuttgart has suffered six consecutive home defeats in the Bundesliga. To appease the fans one final time and build excitement for the DFB-Pokal final on May 24 in Berlin - that's the plan. Although the team has recently shown improved play despite lackluster results, securing only one win from the last four contests, the big final against Arminia Bielefeld has long been on their minds. Will there be a touch of grandeur in their swan song at home, two weeks before the Berlin trip?
A Few Moments to Remember
In May 2022, it was Wataru Endo who set the arena ablaze. In injury time, the then-captain headed the VfB to a much-celebrated league survival against 1. FC Köln. Today, fans still hail the Japanese as "Legendo". Hoeneß, too, has secured his place in club history as he saved VfB from relegation in 2023 and led them to the championship runner-up title just a year later.
Augsburg Awaits
The euphoria won't be quite as high against Augsburg on Sunday - the league finale tension is minimal, and the focus is shifting towards Berlin. Hoeneß wants to get the "maximum" from this match and ascend as high as possible in the table. Every place the VfB can improve brings a bit more financial leeway in the transfer market. Nevertheless, the fight-oriented Hoeneß considers it a minor extra incentive.
Lineup Conundrums
Defender Ameen Al-Dakhil will miss the match due to ongoing muscular problems in his buttocks. Enzo Millot, who was recently injured, will likely make his return on the bench. The status of striker Deniz Undav remains up in the air. Will he provide an unforgettable show in Stuttgart's final home game?
Statistics
- In 24 consecutive head-to-head matches, Stuttgart has defeated Augsburg on 13 occasions. Augsburg has won 9 matches, and the contest has been a draw twice.
- Stuttgart has triumphed over Augsburg in both encounters this season: a 1-0 league victory and a 1-0 triumph in the DFB-Pokals quarterfinals.
- In the past four matches against Stuttgart, Augsburg has been unable to score.
Current Standings
- Stuttgart presently sits in 10th place in the Bundesliga, while Augsburg resides in 11th.
- Augsburg is experiencing one of their best seasons in a decade and has no relegation worries to contend with, which could influence their approach to the match.
Gambling Predictions
- Stuttgart's dismal performance at home and Augsburg's inability to score against them suggests the possibility of betting on Augsburg not scoring in the first half might be appealing.
- However, the desire to end the season on a high note and shake off their home losing streak could propel Stuttgart to perform better this game.
Overall, while Stuttgart's home form has been dismal, their history of success against Augsburg and the need to leave a lasting impression on their final home game could be enough for a Stuttgart victory. Nevertheless, Augsburg's encouraging recent performances suggest they will pose a challenge.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the labelling of foodstuffs, considering the success of VfB Stuttgart's marketing efforts, as they have been a sight to behold with their Champions League-labeled rad sunglasses.
- As Sebastian Hoeneß focuses on breaking Stuttgart's home curse before the DFB-Pokal final on May 24 in Berlin, he might find inspiration in European football leagues, such as Bundesliga's bundesliga and prolonged winning streaks seen in clubs like VfB's rival, Vfb.
- Given Stuttgart's home woes and Augsburg's poor performance against them in their past four meetings, a potential wager for sports enthusiasts could be betting on Augsburg not scoring in the first half of their upcoming encounter on Sunday.
- With the European football season progressing towards 2024, Stuttgart fans may look forward to the 2024 sports season with increased motivation, dreaming of their team gracing the field once again, aiming to achieve success and climb up the ranks in various football tournaments, just like they will aspire to do against Augsburg.
