The match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on Saturday evening will be a meeting of third and fourth: BVB will play host to VfB Stuttgart in the top match at 18:30 CET.

"April will be one of the most difficult months of my career. But we're looking forward to it and it is in our hands to make sure it's a great month," said BVB player Mats Hummels in midweek to Brinkhoff’s Ballgeflüster in reference to the upcoming fixtures. April will see the Black & Yellows take on VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach, league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and Rasenballsport Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Additionally, they will face Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. But the coach and players are not thinking that far ahead yet. The focus is currently on Saturday and the race for the Champions League places against a direct rival. "I want Saturday to be a game where everyone has fun and is happy with our performance," said Hummels.  

VfB Stuttgart have been one of the surprise packages of the season. Having only staved off relegation in the play-offs last term, the Swabians are currently on course for a place in the UEFA Champions League. VfB occupy third position with 57 points, while BVB are four points behind in fourth place. The Black & Yellows could reduce the gap with a victory against their direct rivals. BVB coach Edin Terzic will be able to recall Marcel Sabitzer, who has now served his suspension following a red card. Gregor Kobel, who has been back in team training since Tuesday following a stomach bug, is also available again. Donyell Malen was still recovering from a knock to his thigh on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to play a part against Stuttgart.

The Swabians will travel to the Ruhr with the fourth-best away record in the Bundesliga. They have won seven of their last nine away matches, while two have ended in draws. The standout players have been the two attackers Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav, who have 38 goals between them. But Terzic is placing his focus on the players behind the strikers. "They also have players who set the two of them up and play dangerous balls. They have stability at the back, are extremely versatile and full of self-belief. That's a dangerous mix." The coach emphasised: "We want them to have their toughest game of the season by showing them what we're capable of here in Dortmund."

Tailwind from the match in Munich

There have already been two meetings with VfB Stuttgart this season, both of them away from home: BVB suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture, then lost 2-0 in the DFB-Pokal round of 16 only a few weeks later. Now, they are hoping for the three points against VfB on home turf. The Black & Yellows have won their last two home games against the Swabians 5-0 and 2-1.

BVB have won each of their last four Bundesliga matches – including a 2-0 victory in Munich last Saturday. "We were delighted with the win and the manner of it too. But on Sunday we switched our focus forwards again. We of course want to take confidence from the game, but also a lot of desire and hunger," said Terzic. "Over the past few weeks, we have gathered reasons to be very confident in this very special game for us." 

The match will mark the anniversary of the stadium, which turned 50 years old on 2 April. Terzic remembers many moments from the stadium's history, including Lars Ricken's goals against Deportivo La Coruna and Felipe Santana's against Malaga. But he also said: "Those were the first 50 years. There are still many great moments and events awaiting us. Who knows what will happen on Saturday. We'll be there and ready for the next great experience." A win against Stuttgart would not only be a fitting birthday present, but also an important step in the fight for Champions League participation.
Christina Reinke

BVB TV by 1&1: The press conference prior to the match in Stuttgart