VfB Stuttgart Host Union Berlin in Crucial Bundesliga Clash

STUTTGART, GERMANY – The Bundesliga action continues this weekend as VfB Stuttgart welcomes an in-form Union Berlin to the MHPArena on Sunday. This fixture pits a Stuttgart side fighting tooth and nail to maintain their Champions League aspirations against a resilient Union team looking to climb back into European contention.

Stuttgart's Quest for the Top Four

Sebastian Hoeness’s Stuttgart has been one of the revelations of the 2025-2026 season, and their recent form suggests they are serious contenders for a top-four finish. Carrying strong momentum from December into the New Year, Die Roten have secured back-to-back victories against European rivals. Most notably, they dismantled Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 before staging an impressive comeback to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 on Tuesday.

These crucial wins have solidified Stuttgart’s position in fourth place, level on 32 points with RB Leipzig in third. However, the race for the UEFA Champions League spots remains incredibly tight. Stuttgart is only two points clear of fifth-placed Hoffenheim and three ahead of sixth-placed Leverkusen, making every point essential.

The team's assuredness at home is a significant asset. Stuttgart has lost only once in their league fixtures at the MHPArena this term, giving them a strong platform against Union Berlin.

Union Berlin's Resurgence

On the other side of the pitch, Union Berlin, under the guidance of Steffen Baumgart, has managed a significant turnaround after a difficult spell late last year. Following three consecutive defeats between late November and early December, Die Eisernen have now embarked on a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

While they closed out 2025 with wins over Leipzig and FC Koln, their start to 2026 has been marked by draws: 2-2 against Mainz 05 and a 1-1 stalemate with Augsburg on Thursday. Dropping four points in those two fixtures has left Union ninth in the table, six points adrift of the European places at the campaign's halfway mark.

A victory on Sunday would be vital for Baumgart’s squad, potentially lifting them to eighth and reducing the gap to the top six. However, their away form has been inconsistent this season, recording four losses, one draw, and three wins on the road.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Both sides are facing minor injury and suspension concerns heading into this high-stakes encounter.

VfB Stuttgart Injury Concerns

Stuttgart faces defensive uncertainty. Center-back Dan-Axel Zagadou remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Furthermore, fellow defenders Luca Jaquez (hamstring) and Ameen Al Dakhil (illness) are doubtful. Should all three be unavailable, Ramon Hendriks and Julian Chabot are expected to form the central defensive pairing, supported by full-backs Lorenz Assignon and Maximilian Mittelstadt.

In attack, Bilal El Khannous is absent due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Forwards Lazar Jovanovic (back) and Tiago Tomas (muscle) are also nursing injuries. This likely means Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic will lead the line, supported by wide players Jamie Leweling and Chris Fuhrich.

Union Berlin Setbacks

Union Berlin will be without Derrick Kohn due to suspension, and Robert Skov is dealing with a calf issue. Josip Juranovic is expected to slot in at left wing-back to cover for Kohn's absence. The status of center-back Tom Rothe is unclear due to ongoing physical discomfort, but Diogo Leite, Leopold Querfeld, and Danilho Doekhi are set to anchor the defense.

Projected Starting XIs

Stuttgart Possible Starting Lineup: Nubel; Assignon, Hendriks, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Chema, Stiller; Leweling, Nartey, Fuhrich; Undav

Union Berlin Possible Starting Lineup: Ronnow; Doekhi, Querfeld, Leite; Haberer, Kemlein, Khedira, Schafer, Juranovic; Ansah, Burke

Prediction: A High-Scoring Affair Expected

Given Stuttgart's blistering attacking form—evidenced by their recent thrashings of top-tier opponents—they enter Sunday’s match with palpable confidence. Their home record suggests they are well-equipped to handle the pressure.

However, Union Berlin has demonstrated significant resilience in recent weeks, becoming difficult to beat. While their recent draws suggest a slight dip in cutting edge, their defensive structure, even with personnel changes, should keep them competitive. This match promises fireworks, but Stuttgart's current momentum gives them the edge at the MHPArena.

Our Prediction: Stuttgart 3-2 Union Berlin.