RB Leipzig vs. VfB Stuttgart: probable teams, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Christopher Nkunku was on target when these two sides drew 1-1 back on the opening day of the season, but in the Frenchman's prolonged absence due to a knee ligament injury, his teammates really stepped up to the plate against Schalke on Tuesday. Andre Silva struck a brace, while Benjamin Henrichs, Werner, Dani Olmo and Yussuf Poulsen all joined him on the scoresheet in a rousing 6-1 win. Rose should see little reason to tinker against lowly Stuttgart, although expectations may be tempered for Werner as he returns to full fitness after an ankle injury. Kevin Kampl is the only additional absentee; the Slovenia midfielder is suspended after picking up a late booking in midweek. Currently just four points off top spot, Leipzig will be keen to close the gap on an out-of-sorts Bayern Munich, who have drawn their first two league games of 2023.

Stuttgart, on the other hand, will be hoping to put a bit more distance between themselves and the drop zone. Bruno Labbadia's men conceded a late Andrej Kramaric goal to draw 2-2 at Hoffenheim on Tuesday, leaving them just two points above the outright relegation spots. Naouirou Ahamada provided assists for both of their goals in midweek, but he's suspended for the trip to Leipzig; the Frenchman picked up a second yellow card for climbing into the stands to celebrate with fans after Endo made it 2-1 against TSG. Both goalscorers from the reverse fixture will thus be absent, with Enzo Millot a likely replacement for compatriot Ahamada. Tiago Tomas and Silas were both forced off with knocks on Tuesday and will be forced to sit out this game (and perhaps more).

Match stats

Nkunku remains the Bundesliga's top scorer with 12 goals. Werner and Silva are next on Leipzig's list with five and four respectively.

Werner came through the Stuttgart youth system and turned pro with Die Schwaben in 2013. He scored 14 goals in 103 senior appearances for the club, before leaving them for Leipzig in 2016.

Leipzig are unbeaten against Stuttgart in their nine competitive meetings to date (all in the Bundesliga). Their record reads: W7, D2, L0.

Serhou Guirassy is VfB's leading marksman in the Bundesliga with six goals this term. The Guinea international has netted in both games since the restart: a 1-1 draw with Mainz and the 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim.

Before his suspension, Ahamada had started all 17 Bundesliga games for Stuttgart this season, providing two goals and two assists. Centre-back Waldemar Anton and goalkeeper Florian Müller have also started every game, with the latter playing every single minute.

All three of Stuttgart's wins this season have been on home soil. Their last Bundesliga away win came in Wolfsburg on 11 December 2021, and it was their only away win of 2021/22.

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Probable teams

Leipzig: Blaswich - Henrichs, Orban (c), Gvardiol, Halstenberg - Laimer, Schlager - Szoboszlai, Olmo, Forsberg - Silva

Out: Gulacsi (knee), Kampl (suspended), Nkunku (knee)

Doubtful: Diallo (knee), Simakan (muscular)

Coach: Marco Rose

Stuttgart: Müller - Anton, Mavropanos, Ito, Nartey - Millot, Karazor, Endo (c) - Perea, Guirassy, Führich

Out: Ahamada (suspended), Silas (pelvis), Sosa (muscular), Tomas (stomach), Ulrich (ill), Zagadou (ankle)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Bruno Labbadia

About the clubs RB Leipzig

Red Bull Arena

VfB Stuttgart

Mercedes-Benz Arena

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