Stuttgart vs Union Berlin: Top Four Hopes on the Line

Stuttgart, Germany – The Bundesliga returns to the MHPArena this Sunday as high-flying VfB Stuttgart faces off against a resilient Union Berlin side in a crucial Gameweek 18 fixture. For Sebastian Hoeness’s Stuttgart, the focus remains firmly fixed on solidifying their place in the coveted top four, while Union Berlin seeks to build upon their recent unbeaten run.

Stuttgart's Champions League Charge Heats Up

Stuttgart has carried formidable momentum from the end of 2025 into the new year, recording back-to-back league victories that underscore their ambition. Their recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by an impressive 4-1 dismantling of Bayer Leverkusen, where they established a commanding 4-0 lead in the first half, followed by a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

These triumphs over direct European rivals have instilled significant confidence within Die Roten. Unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, Stuttgart currently occupies fourth place in the Bundesliga table, level on 32 points with third-placed RB Leipzig. However, the margin for error is slim. They are precariously placed just two points ahead of fifth-placed Hoffenheim and three ahead of sixth-placed Leverkusen, both of whom boast superior goal difference figures, making every point vital in this tight race.

Home Fortress Advantage

Fans at the MHPArena will be quietly confident about their team’s prospects. Stuttgart has been dominant on home soil this season, winning all but two of their league clashes, suffering only a single defeat. This formidable home record provides a strong platform as they look to secure another three points against Die Eisernen.

Union Berlin's Resilience Under Baumgart

On the opposing bench, Steffen Baumgart’s Union Berlin has shown significant grit. After navigating a difficult spell that saw three consecutive defeats between late November and early December, Union has successfully engineered a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. This resurgence has been crucial in pulling them away from the immediate relegation scrap.

While their end-of-year form included impressive victories over Leipzig (3-1) and FC Köln (1-0), their start to 2026 has been slightly stuttering. Union has managed draws in both of their opening fixtures this year: a 2-2 stalemate against Mainz 05 on January 10th, followed by a 1-1 draw with Augsburg on Thursday. Dropping four points in these two games means they currently sit ninth, six points adrift of the European qualification places at the halfway mark of the campaign.

The Away Day Challenge

For Union, reducing the gap to the top six is paramount, but their away form remains a point of inconsistency. They have lost four, drawn one, and won three of their league matches on the road this season. A victory on Sunday would not only extend their unbeaten run to five matches but could potentially lift them to eighth place, overtaking Freiburg. Conversely, a defeat could see them drift nine points behind the European contenders, presenting a significant challenge for the remainder of the season.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Both sides are grappling with key absences heading into this important encounter. Stuttgart faces defensive concerns, with centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou sidelined due to a thigh injury. Furthermore, fellow defenders Luca Jaquez (hamstring recovery) and Ameen Al Dakhil (illness) are significant doubts. Should all three be unavailable, Ramon Hendriks and Julian Chabot are expected to anchor the central defence, supported by full-backs Lorenz Assignon and Maximilian Mittelstadt.

Up front, attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannous remains away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Forwards Lazar Jovanovic (back) and Tiago Tomas (muscle issue) are also unavailable. This likely paves the way for the strike partnership of Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic, supported by wingers Jamie Leweling and Chris Fuhrich.

Union Berlin will be without Derrick Kohn due to suspension, and Robert Skov is nursing a calf issue. Josip Juranovic is anticipated to fill in at left wing-back. The status of centre-back Tom Rothe remains uncertain following unspecified physical discomfort, meaning Diogo Leite, Leopold Querfeld, and Danilho Doekhi are set to form the back three.

Predicted Starting XIs

• Stuttgart Possible Starting Lineup: Nübel; Assignon, Hendriks, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Stiller, Karazor; Leweling, Nartey, Fuhrich; Undav.
• Union Berlin Possible Starting Lineup: Rønnow; Doekhi, Querfeld, Leite; Haberer, Kemlein, Khedira, Schäfer, Juranovic; Ansah, Burke.

Match Prediction

Stuttgart enters this fixture in superior form, bolstered by recent high-profile wins against Leverkusen and Frankfurt. They will undoubtedly feel confident about securing the victory at the MHPArena. However, Union Berlin has demonstrated remarkable resilience lately, making them tough opponents who refuse to concede easily. We anticipate a closely fought contest, but Stuttgart’s attacking prowess and home advantage should see them edge it.

Prediction: Stuttgart 3-2 Union Berlin.