Borussia Dortmund are 5-for-5 across the opening stage of the season (here on Fear the Wall, we don’t count the Super Cup unless we win it!) and the team’s momentum is swelling after navigating an injury crisis. Have no fear! A three-week international window is right around the corner to break that momentum before Dortmund enters a pivotal October stretch. Fortunately for Dortmund, they have one more match to extend their unbeaten run; VfB Stuttgart.
Stuttgart have not started this season as expected.
After finishing fourth and securing Champions League football, Stuttgart have only one win in three Bundesliga games. More importantly, their games have swung by huge margins. They lost the opener to Bayern 5-1, then destroyed Koln 4-1, and then dropped a critical three points in Hoffenheim after a 2-1 result. They have scored in every single match this season and have the players to hurt Dortmund’s back-line. Sebastian Hoeneß will be eager to get a win before the lengthy break.
Player(s) to Watch: Joshua Vagnoman and Maximilian Mittelstädt
It’s rare that I point out a team’s wingback as their ‘Player to Watch’ and it’s rarer that I point out both wingbacks! Stuttgart, However, have six goals in the league so far and five of them have involved their wingbacks, Josha Vagnoman and Maximilian Mittelstädt. Both players add width and play down the bylines. Similar to Dortmund’s style of play, Stuttgart features two attacking midfielders/forwards who sit in the half spaces behind their central striker. Unlike Dortmund, however, its been the wingbacks rather than the forwards getting on the final ball and score. It’ll be an interesting matchup; Vagnoman and Mittelstädt v. Svensson and Ryerson.
Predicted Lineup: 3-4-2-1
This squad should look pretty familiar to anyone who watched last week’s game against Paderborn. The only change I foresee is Felix Nmecha coming in for Jobe Bellingham after the former’s brace last week. In defense, we should see Schlotterbeck, Anton, and Gadou once again. I expect these three to continue their role as the Dortmund’s starting center-back trio until one of them loses form and Bensebaini steps up. Ryerson and Svensson should start out wide but don’t be suprised if we see Prates come in off the bench on the left side. Veerman has made himself a key presence in Dortmund’s midfield while Schlotterbeck adjusts to full speed after his injury. Nmecha should start alongside Veerman to reward his cameo last week. Karetsas is back in training but I dont think Kovac is in any rush to see him before the international break. Silva and Guirassy should complete the forward line as the bromance begins to bloom.
Your Thoughts
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