VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
Stuttgart’s defensive crisis meets Gladbach’s goal drought when the two teams face off at the MHPArena on the second matchday of the Bundesliga. With Chabot, Al-Dakhil and Jaquez, the Swabians are missing three central defenders, while the Foals are desperately searching for new firepower after conceding 36 goals last season. After Stuttgart’s bitter 1-3 defeat at Union Berlin and Gladbach’s goalless draw against HSV, both teams are facing an important test.
- Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart
- Date and time: August 30, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga (Matchday 2)
Stuttgart form & record check
VfB Stuttgart are in inconsistent form. Their opening defeat was followed by a dramatic cup win against Eintracht Braunschweig, which was only decided on penalties. With Stergiou also out, they now have four defenders unavailable. However, the Swabians continue to show quality in attack: they have scored in all five of their most recent games, particularly consistently in the second half. Demirović and Woltemade have already proven their scoring instincts, although the latter may soon be moving to Newcastle. The cup drama revealed both sides of the team: conceding two late goals after leading 2-1 highlights their defensive vulnerability.
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß is likely to field his team in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the center-back options are thin after a recent spate of injuries. Chabot is out with adductor problems, while Al-Dakhil is plagued by muscle issues. As a result, Jeltsch could start alongside Zagadou in the center, with Assignon and Mittelstädt occupying the flanks. In midfield, Karazor and Stiller should stabilize the center. In attack, Hoeneß could rely on the tried-and-tested axis of Undav, Leweling, Führich, and Demirović, although Silas is also unavailable due to his ankle injury.
Gladbach Form & Record Check
Borussia Mönchengladbach are under pressure after their goalless draw against Hamburg. Without the injured Kleindienst, they lacked punch. Interestingly, Gladbach went into the break goalless in all of their last three games, but showed defensive stability. The second half regularly remained below 1.5 goals. Kleindienst is out until the end of October, while Ngoumou is sidelined with a long-term Achilles tendon injury. New signing Reyna could be included in the squad for the first time after joining team training this week, although Seoane is not yet planning to start him. There is uncertainty surrounding Weigl: despite participating in training, talks with another club are ongoing.
Coach Gerardo Seoane is expected to stick with his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation. Nicolas is likely to start in goal after being given the nod against HSV. The defense could feature Scally, Elvedi, Chiarodia, and Ullrich. The personnel situation remains tense. Kleindienst is still out with a meniscus injury, which is why Tabaković is expected to lead the line. Ngoumou is also unavailable after tearing his Achilles tendon. Interestingly, Weigl trained with the team again despite the transfer rumors, so he could still be an option. According to the coach, new signing Reyna will not start the game as he is still behind in his training. Instead, Honorat, Stöger, and Hack are likely to form the attacking trio. However, a brief appearance by the American as a super sub is entirely possible.
H2H Stuttgart – Gladbach Head-to-head comparison & statistics
The recent history between these teams promises spectacle. The last four meetings have always seen over 2.5 goals, with Stuttgart most recently suffering a 1-2 home defeat in February. The record over the last few years is evenly balanced, with two wins apiece, but the bookmakers see the hosts as clear favorites despite their personnel problems. At the same time, Nick Woltemade is threatening to leave for Newcastle United, which further complicates personnel planning.
The last four encounters have always been spectacular, with at least three goals per game. Gladbach won the most recent encounter in February 2025 by 2-1 at the MHPArena. Stuttgart had previously impressed with a 3-1 win in Mönchengladbach in September 2024. The Swabians’ 4-0 victory in May 2024 was particularly clear-cut, while the Foals triumphed 3-1 in January 2024. Stuttgart scored in all four games, always after the break. Gladbach also conceded at least one goal in the second half in each game. There were no draws during this period, and home advantage hardly played a role: both teams won once at home and once away.
Focusing on over 2.5 goals makes sense, considering that Stuttgart’s games have recently been high-scoring without exception. Coach Hoeneß himself had to admit that “we have a problem” when it comes to defensive issues. Paradoxically, Gladbach’s lack of goals could take the pressure off Stuttgart’s defense, but given the Swabians’ current personnel situation, there is much to suggest an open game. The double chance of a draw or a Gladbach win seems interesting at odds of 1.6 for Stuttgart, especially with Gladbach’s reinforcement from Reyna. The risky bet on under 1.5 goals in the second half at odds of 3.2 is based on Gladbach’s recent tendency to have low-scoring second halves, but this contradicts Stuttgart’s consistent threat after the break.
