Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 19 September 2026

Stuttgart’s home strength meets Dortmund’s perfect league start. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

Goal.mu prediction: Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Match details

• Fixture: Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund
• Competition: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, September 19
• Venue: MHPArena

Why Stuttgart are creating more than their results show

Borussia Dortmund 's perfect start to the Bundesliga season will be under threat on Saturday, when they take on hosts Stuttgart at MHPArena.

How Stuttgart Can Build Pressure

Stuttgart need to move the first line before forcing a forward pass. If Promel, Stiller, Fuhrich can receive facing the opposition goal, the home attack can begin against a block that is already shifting.

That gives Undav, El Khannouss, Pejcinovic better positions and reduces the need for hopeful deliveries.

Dortmund’s control has improved under Kovac

BVB are second with nine points from three matchweeks, with goal difference keeping them from first place, whereas the home side find themselves in 14th with just three points.

How Borussia Dortmund Can Escape the Press

Borussia Dortmund need a clean first action after regaining possession. Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson must decide whether to play early towards Nwaneri, Silva, Guirassy or hold the ball until support arrives.

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

Stuttgart have endured a difficult start to 2026-27, with their latest result a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim on September 12 , a clash in which they missed four of their five big chances.

The finishing contrast

Die Roten are still creating at a strong rate in the final third – they have netted at least three goals three times in all competitions this term – but they have been vulnerable at the back.

The Defensive Line Behind Stuttgart's Pressure

The likely home defensive unit of Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt, Vagnoman has to stay connected to midfield. If the gap opens, Borussia Dortmund can receive between the lines and run at retreating defenders.

While five of the nine goals the hosts have conceded this season came in a 5-1 loss against Bayern Munich in matchweek one, their only clean sheet in their five games in 2026-27 was in a 4-0 DFB-Pokal success against Hansa Rostock on August 21.

Team news and predicted selections

Manager Sebastian Hoeness has guided his side to three wins in their five matches so far, though he has only experienced two victories in his last seven Bundesliga fixtures, losing twice.

Stuttgart's slow start to 2026-27 can partly be explained by the fact they have been dealing with somewhat of an injury crisis, and up to eight players may miss out this weekend.

The hosts' injury woes have largely impacted their attacking options, though the absence of Dan-Axel Zagadou means that Finn Jeltsch, Jeff Chabot and Maximilian Mittelstadt will likely play in a three-man defence.

Deniz Undav remains Stuttgart's main attacking threat, and he will hope that fellow forwards Bilal El Khannouss and Dzenan Pejcinovic can match his level.

The good news for Borussia Dortmund is that teenage forward Konstantinos Karetsas is set to be included in their squad following circulatory problems, though he will almost certainly not be in the XI ahead of Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Silva.

Centre-backs Emre Can and Filippo Mane remain injured, though Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck and Joane Gadou are fit to feature.

Bredlow; Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Vagnoman, Promel, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, El Khannouss; Pejcinovic

Predicted lineups

Stuttgart have won both of their two outings at MHPArena this term by an aggregate scoreline of 7-2, and they have triumphed in five of their past six matches at the ground while remaining unbeaten.

Stuttgart predicted XI: Bredlow; Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Vagnoman, Promel, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, El Khannouss; Pejcinovic.

Borussia Dortmund predicted XI: Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Gadou; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Nwaneri, Silva; Guirassy.

Undav against Dortmund’s back three

Dortmund were made to work for their three points against newly-promoted Paderborn on September 12 , as while they won 3-0, it took them until the 80th minute to net their second after opening the scoring in the fifth minute.

How Anton, Schlotterbeck, Gadou, Ryerson Can Survive Sustained Pressure

The projected visiting defence of Anton, Schlotterbeck, Gadou, Ryerson may face long spells without the ball. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

Borussia Dortmund also need to organise around the second phase so one half-clearance does not become an even cleaner chance.

Niko Kovac 's side have now won all five of their contests since losing the Supercup final to Bayern Munich on August 22, keeping three clean sheets and scoring on 16 occasions.

The recent H2H gives Stuttgart belief

BVB's record against their hosts is not strong considering they have only emerged as victors once in their past eight meetings with Die Roten – they lost five of those matchups – though that victory was a 2-0 success in April.

The Goalkeeper Detail

Bredlow and Kobel can influence territory through distribution. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

The importance of winning on the weekend should not be understated, as while Stuttgart will be a difficult test, Dortmund have too often dropped points against struggling opponents, allowing Bayern to capitalise during title races in past years.

Why this could be decided late

Dortmund have won all two of their away games this season, and another win on the weekend would be their fourth in a row on the road.

Why Undav, El Khannouss, Pejcinovic Need Different Movements

Undav, El Khannouss, Pejcinovic need complementary runs for Stuttgart. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

If all three occupy the same line, Borussia Dortmund can defend them far more comfortably.

How Borussia Dortmund Can Break the Rhythm

Borussia Dortmund need moments when they slow the game and keep the ball. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

The Opening 15 Minutes

The first spell of Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund should reveal which side is more comfortable with the expected pattern. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

Why Shape Matters More Than Volume

Shot counts alone may not explain control in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

One Final Tactical Question

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

How Stuttgart Can Control Territory

Stuttgart do not need to force every attack. A controlled spell can move Borussia Dortmund across the pitch and create a cleaner forward pass.

Stuttgart's Route Through Midfield

Stuttgart need Promel, Stiller, Fuhrich to receive under pressure without slowing the attack unnecessarily. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. If that happens, Undav, El Khannouss, Pejcinovic can stay higher and occupy defenders instead of dropping too deep.

Borussia Dortmund's Route Through Transition

Borussia Dortmund can create danger if Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson move the first pass quickly after a regain. Nwaneri, Silva, Guirassy need to provide one vertical run and one shorter option. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

Why Territory Matters in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund

Possession alone may not explain which team is controlling Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

The Closing Decision

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover.

How Stuttgart Can Create a Better Final Ball

Stuttgart need their attacking moves to arrive with a clear picture of the next pass. Too many touches around the box can allow Borussia Dortmund to reset. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat.

Undav, El Khannouss are important to that process because their movement can stretch the back line horizontally. Once the defence widens, Pejcinovic can attack the central channel with fewer bodies around him.

How Borussia Dortmund Can Turn Defence Into Threat

Borussia Dortmund will look for moments when Stuttgart have committed players ahead of the ball. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat.

Nwaneri, Silva can help by starting wide enough to stretch recovery runs. If Guirassy occupies the centre-backs, the supporting runners may find useful space either side of the main striker.

Why Bredlow and Kobel Matter Before the Save

Bredlow and Kobel can influence the match before either is forced into a difficult stop. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance.

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance.

The Box-Entry Quality Test

The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat. Stuttgart should prefer cut-backs and passes into moving targets over hopeful crosses from poor angles.

Borussia Dortmund face the same challenge in transition. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat.

The Discipline of Rest Defence

The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat.

In Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, the team that protects the centre after losing possession should be able to attack with greater confidence over longer spells.

The Psychology of a Close Scoreline

If Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund stays level deep into the second half, decision-making will become more emotional. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat. The detail takes on a different meaning in Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, where the expected roles create a distinct balance between control and counter-attacking threat.

Where the Match Could Be Won Without the Ball

Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund both need their nearest players to react immediately after turnovers. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance.

Why the Final Pass Must Match the Run

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance. For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance.

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the same phase matters because the next supporting run can change a harmless possession into a clear chance. In Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund, the side that synchronises those two actions more consistently should create the clearer chances.

Prediction

• Full-time result: Borussia Dortmund to win
• Double chance: Borussia Dortmund or Draw
• Both teams to score: Yes
• Goals: Over 2.5 goals
• Correct score: Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

For Stuttgart against Borussia Dortmund, the key is which side recognises the next available lane before the opponent can recover. Goal.mu's prediction is Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund.