The head coach’s view: The two sides couldn’t be further apart on form, as although Werder are unbeaten this season, Stuttgart continue their search for a first victory. But form has no impact on preparations according to Kohfeldt. "We are expecting them to have their best performance of the season. Last year they were still very cautious to keep things compact and close off space. This year they are more attack-minded," he told. Stuttgart are a team with "high-quality players in every area.” Benjamin Pavard, Santiago Ascasibar and Mario Gomez are just some of the names that came up. "Despite that, it’s our job to go to Stuttgart and play our game," demands Kohfeldt, adding: “we want to have the ball, be dominant on the pitch and create chances. Recent games have shown what we are capable of doing."
Squad news: "Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday – it has been a busy week due to the midweek fixtures, but fortunately Kohfeldt has every player at his disposal for the game.“We have no knocks from the last game. Everyone that was available against Hertha will train," Kohfeldt explains. Nuri Sahin, who suffered a dead leg midweek, and Theodor Gebre Selassie (knock to the foot), are fit.
It couldn’t be more even: History makes this one a tricky game to predict. 102 times the two clubs have met in the Bundesliga with 35 wins apiece and 32 draws. Werder have their noses in front in terms of goals scored, with 176 strikes – their best record against any Bundesliga side. The Green-Whites have only lost two of their last ten games against Stuttgart, but have only won once in their last seven in the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
