Hertha Berlin vs Stuttgart preview - Capital test for Stuttgart

Posted Thursday, October 02, 2014 by PA

Stuttgart appear to have turned the corner in recent weeks, but they head to Hertha Berlin this Friday for an acid test of their current form.

After holding Borussia Dortmund to a draw in their own stadium, the Swabians picked up their first Bundesliga win of the season at home to Hannover last time out.

That win lifted Armin Veh's men out of the bottom three and in the company of their hosts this Friday on five points.

"It always does you good to win," said Veh at a press conference. "The recovery times are quicker and this week has been far more comfortable than any of those before it.

"It would be nice if we could now go into the (international) break with another success."

He could be without the principal architect of Stuttgart's form transformation, though, since winger Daniel Didavi has picked up a thigh strain.

Given his importance to the side, Veh admits he may not take a gamble on him and risk losing him for a long time, considering the former Nurnberg player has a history of injuries.

"He's a doubt and I don't think he's going to make it," Veh said. "I don't want to take any risks on him either."

Veh could do with a player like Julian Schieber, although it is now over two years since he last wore a Stuttgart shirt.

After a year with Borussia Dortmund, he is now at Hertha and looking forward to a game he says is going to be crucial to his club.

"There's a lot riding on this game," he said. "With a win, we could get a bit of breathing space in the league and a win would also be very important for the atmosphere around the club.

"At the end of the day, we have the international break straight after it and so the impressions of this game against Stuttgart will stick with us for a long time."

Friday night's game at the Olympiastadion is therefore an important test for both sides, who would prefer not to be condemned to a place in the relegation zone for the next two weeks.