Top facts for the match against VfB Stuttgart

On Saturday (15:30 CEST), TSG 1899 Hoffenheim travel to the Mercedes Benz-Arena to face VfB Stuttgart. This will be the

For all statistic enthusiasts, here are the match facts ahead of TSG's meeting with VfB Stuttgart:

Did you know that…

...if you want guaranteed goals, the derby between TSG and VfB is the game for you?

Last season, the spectators of the Baden-Württemberg derby were treated to goals galore: Two games, 13 goals. Only one match-up provided more goals in 2013/14 – Werder Bremen vs. Bayern Munich.

…Ermin Bicakcic made his professional debut for VfB Stuttgart?

The defender joined the VfB academy in July 2005 and spent the majority of his four years there with the club's reserves. The Bosnia international's debut came for the reserves on matchday 25 of the 2009/10, where he appeared in a 3-0 home victory over SV Sandhausen. He made his first team Bundesliga debut on 19th December 2010 against Bayern Munich. A little over a month later, Bicakcic was able to celebrate his first career goal, which came against SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB Cup.

…Markus Gisdol has coached VfB Stuttgart?

From 2005 to 2007, Markus Gisdol managed the VfB Stuttgart U17 team. Since then, the 45-year-old has worked for SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, SSV Ulm 1846 and FC Schalke 04, before becoming Hoffenheim manager in 2013.

…both teams are renowned for their fast starts?

Last season, Hoffenheim scored 14 goals in the first 15 minutes of matches, only two more than Stuttgart.

…TSG have been lethal in front of goal so far this season?

Markus Gisdol's team have converted 80% of their clear-cut chances so far this season, the best record in the division.

...Hoffenheim are still unbeaten this season and have improved defensively?

Much like last season, TSG are unbeaten going into matchday 4. The parallels with last season don't stop there – for the second season in succession, Gisdol's team have opened the campaign with two wins and two draws in competitive matches. The main difference is their defensive record. Hoffenheim have allowed just eight shots on target this season and have only conceded two goals. At this stage in 2013/14, they had already conceded six goals.

…VfB have the lowest tackle-success rate in the Bundesliga?

After three matchdays, VfB are the worst tackling side – they have only won 45% of their attempted challenges. This is the worst record in the league so far.

…VfB haven't won any of their last seven competitive fixtures?

VfB Stuttgart are without a win in seven competitive games, a run stretching back to last season. In that period, they have lost five times and drawn twice. Their last competitive victory came on matchday 31 last season, when they beat Schalke 3-1 at home.