BVB close in on record home streak
A victory over VfB Stuttgart on Friday would give Borussia Dortmund their sixth home win in a row, equalling their record set in the 2003/2004 season. But the Swabian outfit are good on the road - and have also proved difficult opponents for BVB in recent years.
Borussia Dortmund haven´t beaten VfB Stuttgart in any of the last four meetings at Signal Iduna Park, with all four games ending in a draw. Some of these draws were painful
- after conceding a late equaliser despite dominating the game. And some of them were spectacular - like the 4-4 draw one and a half years ago. But, as Jürgen Klopp said in the build-up to the game at sold-out Signal Iduna Park (kick-off: 2030 CET), "You can´t compare all these games. This is a different Stuttgart team." A different VfB side under a different coach - since Thomas Schneider took the helm, Stuttgart have gone on a seven-game unbeaten run.
"VfB have a great quality and they are on a good run," said Klopp, calling Stuttgart´s outstanding attack "packed with wit and pace". He added: "And when they switch to attack, we will have to be on full alert." In Vedad Ibisevic Stuttgart also have a real goal-getter, though he will not be targeted for special treatment on Friday night. "He will, however, get our undivided attention when he gets into the dangerous areas," said Klopp.
A goal from set plays in every game under Schneider
BVB will also need to be watchful of Stuttgart´s threat from set plays. The Swabians have scored from set pieces in every game under Schneider this season, with the ones from Maxim being their main weapon. And they have also scored a league high six headed goals. "There are really a lot of things we need to watch out for against Stuttgart," said Klopp.
The Dortmund coach also looked back at the derby at Schalke, albeit with "mixed feelings". He said that "it would be nice if we could present this fantastic club in this home game as we wish to be seen and like we know it from our fans, with all these extraordinary positive aspects."
Especially since the support of the home crowd could make the difference and give BVB a boost for what is expected to be a tough game. "The opposition will make us work hard and we must be prepared for everything. But we are also on a good run at home, even if we could be a bit more consistent football-wise. I expect a tight match, but I also expect us to win this game."