Bundesliga Round 11 Preview: Will Gladbach and Wolfsburg Clash? Stuttgart Shouldn’t Lament Losing Their Top Scorer

As the Bundesliga heads into its 11th round, several teams are grappling with form and fitness issues that could significantly influence their performances. On November 11, Borussia Mönchengladbach takes on Wolfsburg, while Stuttgart faces Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be a pivotal matchday. Both Gladbach and Wolfsburg are dealing with defensive vulnerabilities, and Stuttgart is reeling from the absence of their top scorer, Serhou Guirassy. Here's a comprehensive preview of these critical matchups.

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Wolfsburg - A Defensive Standoff?

Gladbach and Wolfsburg have recently been characterized by their offensive prowess and defensive frailties. In the previous round, both teams squandered leads to settle for draws, underscoring their defensive weaknesses. Consequently, this upcoming match may see both sides prioritizing defense over attack.

Last weekend, Gladbach faced Freiburg and, despite taking a two-goal lead in the first half, they conceded an equalizer in stoppage time. This season, Gladbach's defense has been unreliable, and their inability to hold onto a lead against Freiburg exemplifies this issue. Despite the disappointment of dropping two points, a pre-match guarantee of one point would have likely satisfied the team.

Similarly, Wolfsburg had a comparable experience against Werder Bremen. They conceded an early goal, managed to overturn the deficit, but ultimately settled for a draw. Unlike Gladbach, Wolfsburg’s opponent was a relegation-threatened team, making the home draw even more frustrating for their fans. Wolfsburg entered that match on the back of three consecutive defeats, during which their once-solid defense crumbled. Coach Niko Kovač has experimented with various personnel and formations, but the results have remained subpar, indicating a deeper psychological issue among the players.

Wolfsburg's last victory over Gladbach dates back to 2019. In the seven subsequent encounters, Gladbach has won three times, with the other four ending in draws. Despite this psychological edge, Gladbach’s defense has been as porous as Wolfsburg’s, suggesting that both teams might adopt a cautious approach, potentially leading to a 1-1 draw.

Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund - Life Without Guirassy

Stuttgart's fairy tale start to the season has come to a halt following back-to-back defeats against Hoffenheim and Heidenheim. The primary reason for this downturn is the absence of their talismanic striker, Serhou Guirassy. Guirassy's injury has exposed Stuttgart's dependency on him for goals. Although Haris Al Ghaddioui has stepped in admirably, he lacks the quality to sustain Stuttgart's early-season momentum.

The looming possibility of Guirassy's departure in the winter transfer window adds to Stuttgart’s woes. With a release clause reportedly set at €15 million, many mid-tier clubs across Europe can afford him. Stuttgart must brace themselves for his potential exit and prepare adequately.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, is recovering from a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich. The match was effectively over when Harry Kane doubled Bayern's lead in the ninth minute. Despite outshooting Bayern 15 to 12, Dortmund only managed one shot on target, highlighting their offensive inefficiency. However, Dortmund redeemed themselves by completing a Champions League double over Newcastle United, temporarily topping their group in the process. This achievement should somewhat placate their fans.

Last season, Stuttgart held Dortmund to a dramatic 3-3 draw at home, a match that epitomized Dortmund's inconsistency. Leading by two goals and then again in stoppage time, Dortmund still managed to concede an equalizer. Coming off a grueling Champions League fixture, Dortmund might need time to readjust, giving Stuttgart an opportunity to secure another 1-1 draw.

Other Notable Matches

Elsewhere, other Bundesliga fixtures also present intriguing narratives. Bayern Munich will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table, while RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen aim to keep pace. The battle for European spots remains tight, with teams like Freiburg, Hoffenheim, and Eintracht Frankfurt vying for position.

Tactical Analysis and Key Players

Gladbach's attack is spearheaded by Alassane Pléa and Jonas Hofmann, whose creativity and finishing will be crucial against Wolfsburg's shaky defense. For Wolfsburg, Lukas Nmecha and Maximilian Arnold are the key players to watch. Nmecha’s pace and Arnold's playmaking abilities can exploit Gladbach’s defensive lapses.

In the Stuttgart-Dortmund clash, Silas Wamangituka and Borna Sosa will be vital for Stuttgart. Silas’ speed and Sosa’s crossing can trouble Dortmund’s backline. Dortmund’s hopes rest on Marco Reus and Jude Bellingham. Reus’ experience and Bellingham’s dynamism will be essential in breaking down Stuttgart’s defense.

Historical Context and Fan Sentiment

The historical context adds another layer of intrigue to these fixtures. Gladbach’s recent dominance over Wolfsburg and Dortmund's previous struggles against Stuttgart create a compelling backdrop. Fan sentiment is also a critical factor. The impatience of Wolfsburg supporters and the cautious optimism of Stuttgart fans will undoubtedly influence the atmosphere and potentially the outcomes.

Predictions and Implications

Given the current form and circumstances, the Gladbach-Wolfsburg match is likely to be a tightly contested affair with both teams settling for a 1-1 draw. The Stuttgart-Dortmund game also seems poised for a draw, with a 1-1 scoreline being a plausible outcome.

These matches are more than just about points; they are about momentum and psychological edges as the season progresses. For Gladbach and Wolfsburg, a draw might be seen as a missed opportunity to climb the table, but also as a necessary step to stabilize their seasons. For Stuttgart, avoiding defeat against Dortmund would be a significant morale booster, while Dortmund will aim to bounce back from their Bayern debacle.

As the Bundesliga continues to unfold, these narratives will evolve, shaping the destiny of the teams involved. The 11th round promises to be a fascinating chapter in this season’s story.