#VFBTSG: Top-tier reunion

The 27th Bundesliga meeting between VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim carries a special significance. On the one hand because both teams have made a strong start to the season and – to the total surprise of most pundits – are in the top third of the table. On the other hand because it is a match-up featuring a rare occurrence: the head coaches of both clubs were previously sacked by the other team – and subsequently started out again with new clubs. Neither VfB nor TSG are likely to regret this special switch of coaches and the same goes for the coaches themselves. Pellegrino Matarazzo first saved TSG from relegation and then helped Hoffenheim make the best start in their Bundesliga history; Sebastian Hoeness has achieved the same feat with Stuttgart.

Serhou Guirassy, who has scored an almost unbelievable 14 goals in the first eight games of the season, has played a huge role for the high-flying Swabians. No other player in Europe's top leagues boasts a comparable scoring rate. The Frenchman would have already finished the last Bundesliga campaign in fifth place in the goalscoring charts – only two goals behind the top scorers Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Füllkrug. But the star striker is now injured, will be sidelined for several weeks and will not feature in the clash with TSG. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is still the main talking point in Stuttgart; a release clause in his contract, which runs until 2026, is a cause for concern among VfB fans: a departure of their difference-maker is on the cards.

When they go up against TSG (Saturday at 15:30 CET), VfB will now want to show that their current strength is not solely attributable to the forward's goals. Stuttgart can certainly make a case for this. In Deniz Undav and Silas, who have three goals each, VfB have other strikers who pose a goal threat; the latter has clocked up the fastest speed of any player in the league this season (35.79 km/h). The attacking trio behind Guirassy is completed by Chris Führich, who was recently called up to the national team for the first time. The 25-year-old already has seven scorer points (two goals, five assists) to his name and is currently the top assister in the league. With 25 goals this season, the team in second have the second-best attacking record – only FC Bayern (26) have scored more often.

But VfB's strong form cannot only be explained by their attacking efficiency. Defensively, the team have also stabilised significantly compared to last year. This is in part down to goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who moved to Stuttgart in the summer and instantly strengthened his new club.

Another newcomer has made his mark in midfield. Angelo Stiller, who played for TSG on the opening day and moved to VfB at the end of the transfer window, has been in the starting line-up for each of the past six matches and enjoys the trust of his coach Sebastian Hoeness, who had earlier brought him to Hoffenheim from the FC Bayern U23s.

The fact that this special reunion is taking place in the top flight is a credit to both head coaches. The most recent meeting to date – on Matchday 34 of last season – ended 1-1. Hoffenheim were spared from relegation, VfB saved themselves in the play-off. Less than six months later, their next game will be played under completely different circumstances – much to the delight of the players and fans of both clubs. And the coaches too of course.

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