VfL Wolfsburg are under pressure as they face a strong VfB Stuttgart side this Saturday. After three consecutive defeats, the Wolves desperately need a win to turn their season around. Currently sitting 15th in the Bundesliga table with only five points from six games, the pressure is mounting on coach Paul Simonis and his team.
Eriksen Starts, Arnold on the Bench
The big surprise in the Wolfsburg lineup is that captain Maximilian Arnold will start on the bench. Arnold has been struggling with a minor injury. New signing Christian Eriksen gets his first start in midfield. The experienced Danish player is expected to bring creativity and passing ability to the Wolfsburg attack. Aaron Zehnter also returns to the starting eleven for the first time since the second matchday.
Wolfsburg's starting XI: Grabara, Fischer, Jenz, Koulierakis, Mæhle, Souza, Eriksen, Daghim, Svanberg, Zehnter, Wind.
Substitutes: Müller, Skov Olsen, Dardai, Amoura, Majer, Seelt, Pejcinovic, Kumbedi, Arnold.
A Difficult Start to the Season
Wolfsburg's season has been far from ideal. Three straight losses, problems building from the back, and a lack of confidence in attack have plagued the team. Coach Simonis is searching for stability and self-belief. The balance between defense and attack needs to improve if they are to get a result against Stuttgart.
Stuttgart Flying High
In contrast to Wolfsburg's struggles, Stuttgart are in excellent form. They have won their last three matches and climbed to fourth place in the table. Under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart are playing with confidence and attacking flair. They will be a tough opponent for a struggling Wolfsburg side.
Wolfsburg expert Michael Theuerkauf notes that while Wolfsburg's points tally is disappointing, their performances have shown flashes of promise. He attributes their recent struggles to a lack of cutting edge in attack, poor finishing, and a failure to compete physically.
Can Wolfsburg overcome their problems and stop Stuttgart's winning streak? Or will Stuttgart continue their impressive form and put more pressure on Wolfsburg?