VfB Stuttgart vs. Augsburg: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog

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Powered by their in-form forward, Sasa Kalajdzic, alongside Marmoush, Stuttgart have aims on dragging themselves free of the relegation spots, with safety now just two points away following their recent exploits. Kalajdzic netted a late winner in the come-from-behind win against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 25 while the Austria international - who sat out most of the campaign with a shoulder injury - was on target in the closing seconds as Die Schwaben earned a 1-1 draw at Union Berlin. On both occasions, Kalajdzic was assisted by Borna Sosa. "We already showed against Gladbach that we can score in the final stages [and] Berlin was a confirmation of that," VfB coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, said, adding, "We'll take that with us into the next few weeks." Pascal Stenzel could see more action at right-back having recently recovered from a calf complaint, his attacking instincts meaning Arsenal-owned Konstantinos Mavropanos should tuck inside.

Augsburg are just three points better off than their weekend opponents, although the Bavarians do have a game in hand following the postponement of their Matchday 26 encounter against Mainz. However, defeat will see them leapfrogged by their opponents. Markus Weinzierl's men - 14th in the standings - picked up their first away points of the year, and their second on the road this term, when they defeated Arminia Bielefeld on Matchday 25. Saturday's visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Arena are expected to stick with the back three that has served them so well recently. With Felix Uduokhai struggling with an ankle ligament injury, youngster Frederik Winther could complete the defence. Andre Hahn is back from suspension further forward, and could start ahead of Pepi.

Match stats

Kalajdzic has scored or assisted in four successive Bundesliga matches (three goals, one assist).

Sosa has set up all three of Kalajdzic's Bundesliga goals this season. He provided seven of his teammate's 16 efforts in 2020/21.

Stuttgart are the only Bundesliga team this season still to keep a clean sheet on home soil.

Pepi scored 13 times in 31 MLS games in 2021, but is 266 minutes of Bundesliga without a goal.

Augsburg's top scorer this season is Michael Gregoritsch. The Austrian has six goals in 18 appearances, including four since the turn of the year.

Weinzierl, who oversaw 23 Bundesliga matches in charge of Stuttgart in 2018/19, has recorded more wins against his former club than any team he's faced (eight from 10 meetings - all with Augsburg). He is also one shy of his 100th Bundesliga victory as a coach.

Probable line-ups

Stuttgart: Müller - Stenzel, Mavropanos, Anton, Sosa - Karazor - Marmoush, Endo (c), Mangala, Führich - Kalajdzic

Out: Ahamado (toe), Egloff (back), Nartey (knee), Sankoh (knee), Silas (shoulder)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Pellegrino Matarazzo

Augsburg: Gikiewicz - Gouweleeuw (c), Oxford, Winther - Caligiuri, Maier, Dorsch, Iago - Hahn, Gregoritsch, Vargas

Out: Finnbogason (groin), Günther (not included), Sarenren Bazee (knee), Strobl (knee)

Doubtful: Gumny (ankle), Uduokhai (ankle)

Coach: Markus Weinzierl