With pressure piled high on manager Markus Babbel, Stuttgart face a tall task in Champions League Group G on Wednesday when they travel to face Sevilla.
The Spaniards defeated Stuttgart 3-1 two weeks ago in group play, and they were 2-0 winners over Xerez in La Liga play at the weekend, leaving them third in the group standings. Stuttgart can clinch a berth in the round of 16 with a victory, or with a draw if Rangers fail to beat Unirea.
The German have endured a miserable season, and they have only two points from their first three group games. They did manage to secure a 0-0 draw at home against Bayern Munich on Saturday, but they had lost their previous five games in all competitions, and sit within two spots of the drop zone.
Sevilla goalkeeper Andrés Palop did not play at the weekend as he continued to recover from a calf injury, nor did striker Fredi Kanouté. It is unlikely either will feature on Wednesday. Brazilian striker Adriano, defender Federico Fazio and striker Lautaro Acosta also continue to miss out.
For Stuttgart, several injuries plague an already reeling side. Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio came off early against Bayern with a thigh injury that will keep him out for three weeks. Fellow fullback Christian Träsch also picked up a leg injury, and he will miss out along with Ciprian Marica, Cacau and Sami Khedira.
This one heavily favors Sevilla at home, and any result by a win by the Andalucians will be a major surprise on Wednesday.
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