And the relegation battle continues. Dortmund can take a breather after winning two in a row and leaving the relegation zone. Stuttgart, however, are now at the bottom of the table. The two sides meet on Friday (20:30 CET) in a crucial match, which could have serious ramifications for both sides..
Before the break, Huub Stevens’ team climbed to 15th, but they've dropped back into the relegation zone since the turn of the year. Two points and one goal in the last five games are a clear sign that things aren’t going well. Only Hamburg and Köln have scored fewer goals and only Bremen and Hertha have conceded more. Top-flight survival won't be secured on the back of figures such as these. VfB are four points adrift of safety.
Dortmund hopes lie with Reus and Aubemeyang
The mood in Dortmund couldn’t be better at the moment. Two wins in a row have brought with them momentum and self-confidence. Marco Reus has impressed since signing a new contract; he scored a goal and provided an assist in the 4-2 victory over Mainz. It wouldn't be a surprise if Reus played a key role agains but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been in top form recently, having been involved in five of Dortmund’s last seven goals. “We have to consistently deliver good performances,” explained BVB coach Jürgen Klopp, who was born in Stuttgart.
Stuttgart’s new signing Geoffroy Serey Dié could make his first start on Friday. Having lifted the Africa Cup of Nations, he came off the bench in the 87th minute against Hoffenheim and was officially introduced to the media on Monday. “We created chances in Hoffenheim. We have a good team and need a win, as it will help clear our minds,” explained the Ivory Coast international. Stuttgart were still under the guidance of Armin Veh when the sides met earlier in the campaign - a 2-2 draw. A draw this time wouldn't be enough to see Stuttgart climb off the bottom.
And the relegation battle continues. Dortmund can take a breather after winning two in a row and leaving the relegation zone. Stuttgart, however, are now at the bottom of the table. The two sides meet on Friday (20:30 CET) in a crucial match, which could have serious ramifications for both sides..
Before the break, Huub Stevens’ team climbed to 15th, but they've dropped back into the relegation zone since the turn of the year. Two points and one goal in the last five games are a clear sign that things aren’t going well. Only Hamburg and Köln have scored fewer goals and only Bremen and Hertha have conceded more. Top-flight survival won't be secured on the back of figures such as these. VfB are four points adrift of safety.
Dortmund hopes lie with Reus and Aubemeyang
The mood in Dortmund couldn’t be better at the moment. Two wins in a row have brought with them momentum and self-confidence. Marco Reus has impressed since signing a new contract; he scored a goal and provided an assist in the 4-2 victory over Mainz. It wouldn't be a surprise if Reus played a key role agains but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been in top form recently, having been involved in five of Dortmund’s last seven goals. “We have to consistently deliver good performances,” explained BVB coach Jürgen Klopp, who was born in Stuttgart.
Stuttgart’s new signing Geoffroy Serey Dié could make his first start on Friday. Having lifted the Africa Cup of Nations, he came off the bench in the 87th minute against Hoffenheim and was officially introduced to the media on Monday. “We created chances in Hoffenheim. We have a good team and need a win, as it will help clear our minds,” explained the Ivory Coast international. Stuttgart were still under the guidance of Armin Veh when the sides met earlier in the campaign - a 2-2 draw. A draw this time wouldn't be enough to see Stuttgart climb off the bottom.
