Tactics
Stuttgart usually operate in an attack-minded 4-3-3 system under new coach Bruno Labbadia. There was a change in goalkeeper in the middle of last month, with Fabian Bredlow taking Florian Müller’s place between the sticks. Hiroki Ito partners Konstantinos Mavropanos at the heart of defence, while Japanese duo Genki Haraguchi – a January arrival – and captain Wataru Endo pull the strings in midfield. Up front, Labbadia has deployed Chris Führich and recent signing Gil Dias on the flanks, with Silas Katompa Mvumpa operating through the middle.
Absentees
Labbadia will be without injured duo Serhou Guirassy and Pascal Stenzel, while Eintracht are missing Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe (light training following injury) and Jesper Lindström (ankle).
One to watch: Silas Katompa Mvumpa
The 24-year-old has established himself as a key player since joining VfB from French Ligue 2 side Paris FC in summer 2019.
- He played a key role in Stuttgart’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019/20, registering seven goals and eight assists.
- The forward has 25 goals and 15 assists in 89 appearances for the club across all competitions.
- The versatile Congolese frontman can play down the middle or on either wing.
- With a top speed of 35.14 km/h (22nd in the Bundesliga) he is the quickest player in the Stuttgart squad.
Key battle: Konstantinos Mavropanos vs. Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani scored his 11th league goal of the season against Wolfsburg last time out, lifting him to 21 goal involvements in 22 Bundesliga outings this term. In Mavropanos, the 24-year-old is set to come up against a defender who has won 66.7 per cent of his duels this season.
