Record against Darmstadt
Overall: 11 games, 5 wins, 4 draws, 2 defeats, 26:15 goal difference
In Bundesliga 2: 1 game, 1 draw, 1:1 goal difference
How things stand
VfB go into the game against Darmstadt in the second automatic promotion place in Bundesliga 2. A win or draw against the Lilies would be enough to take the runners-up spot, but a defeat coupled with a win for third-place 1. FC Heidenheim at Arminia Bielefeld would leave the two teams level on points. VfB, however, have a far superior goal difference than their closest challengers (+23 compared to +12).
Personnel
Gonzalo Castro is available again following a one-match ban.
Best home record
VfB have picked up 38 points from their 16 league matches at the Mercedes-Benz Arena this season - the best home record in the division. They’re also yet to lose on some soil since Pellegrino Matarazzo took over as head coach (W5, D2).
Positive restart
VfB have netted 20 goals in their last eight matches - no other second-tier side have scored more since the restart. The Cannstatt boys have also taken 13 of a possible 18 points from the last six games.
