The opponents: SV Werder take on a team from the lower echelons of the table on Friday night. VfB Stuttgart have taken only 15 points this season and sit in the relegation play-off position. Markus Weinzierl’s side have only taken one from point from their last seven games and recently made a change to their backroom staff. Former first-team player Thomas Hitzlsperger replaced Michael Reschke as the director of football. The side couldn’t show a reaction against RB Leipzig last weekend, slipping to a 3-1 defeat at home. Friday’s game could be vital for the side from Swabia, who will be hoping to increase the gap between them and Hannover and Nürnberg, as well as ensuring the gap between them and 15th place doesn’t keep growing.
Key player: Mario Gomez re-signed for Stuttgart last January, hoping to play Europaen football once again with his former club. However, instead of that, he is now fighting against relegation and hasn’t hit form yet. The former Germany international has scored five goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances, well below his high standards. He is still Stuttgart’s most successful attacker this season though and gives his fans hope. One thing is for sure: Gomez doesn’t need many touches or chances to get on the scoresheet. The Werder defence have to be sure to keep him under control.
The officials: Robert Hartmann will officiate the game and will be assisted Christian Leicher and Markus Schüller. Frank Willenborg will be the fourth official. The video referees will be Tobias Stieler and Dr. Matthias Jöllenbeck.