Record from the VfB view-point
Total: 17 games, 7 wins, 5 draws, 5 defeats, 30:25 goal-difference
Home: 8 games, 4 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats, 20:13 goal-difference
Away: 9 games, 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats, 10:12 goal-difference
Looking back
When the sides last met, VfB slipped to a narrow 0-1 defeat in Hoffenheim. The only goal of the game was scored by Mark Uth with nine minutes to go.
Further meetings
A relative brief history of clashes with TSG leans notably in VfB’s favour. From 17 previous meetings, the Wasenelf decided seven in their favour. In four of the eight home games, the points remained in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The only clash of the two sides outside of the Bundesliga was a DFB-Cup first-round tie in 2005/2006, with VfB progressing to the next stage of the competition thanks to a 4-3 extra-time victory.
On form
Since head coach Tayfun Korkut took the reins in Stuttgart, both teams have claimed seven victories, drawn four and suffered on defeat each – an identical tally.
Familiar faces
In Serge Gnabry, Lukas Rupp, Adam Szalai, Ermin Bicakcic and Alexander Stolz, there will be four TSG players returning to their former stomping ground. On the other side, Andreas Beck and Jens Grahl previously laced up their boots for 1899. Tayfun Korkut was once also an Under 17 coach in Hoffenheim.
Home fortress
In 16 home outings so far this season, VfB conceded just nine goals – the best record in the league. Should Hoffenheim not score any more than one goal, VfB will end the season with the league’s best defensive home record.
Stability
Having gone in front this season, VfB have ultimately dropped just seven points – the best record in the league. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, are bottom of that particular statistic, having dropped some 26 points after taking a lead.