VfB Stuttgart are back on track this season thanks to consistency and compactness, with the change of coach from Hannes Wolf to Korkut less than a month ago having an immediate effect. Within the space of just three matches, the Swabians have managed to establish a ten-point cushion between themselves and the automatic relegation places.
Last time out, VfB recorded a first away win since their promotion back to the Bundesliga, beating Augsburg 1-0. The current positivity around the club is reflected in their tactical approach: strikers Mario Gomez and Daniel Ginczek spearhead a 4-4-2 formation. At the other end, Korkut has opted for the stability brought by a four-man defence, with Holger Badstuber, a centre-back by trade, recently deployed in defensive midfield to give the side an additional measure of solidity.
It remains to be seen whether Korkut will go with that option against Eintracht; aware that the momentum is with his side in the battle against the drop, the former Hannover 96, Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen coach does not intend to make too many changes to his starting line-up. The personnel situation is also positive at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, with everyone available other than long-term absentee Carlos Mane.
Three to watch
Mario Gomez
The Germany international is the main danger and has been involved in all three of Stuttgart’s goals since Korkut took over. An overall record of 157 goals and 49 assists in the Bundesliga underlines his threat, and he’s only ever lost one of his 15 games against Eintracht in the top flight (across three clubs).
Erik Thommy
Before his move to Stuttgart in January, Thommy had been at Augsburg for a total of eight years (including two loan spells). In his first meeting with his former club last weekend, the 23 year-old set up the winning goal for Gomez.
Timo Baumgartl
Baumgartl, 21, is a constant at VfB, regardless of who is in the dugout. Aside from the opening game of the season at Hertha Berlin, the centre-back has not missed a minute for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this term.
