Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund side go into the game with bottom place Stuttgart looking to build on their improved recent form. Dortmund have recorded back-to-back wins last week when they beat Mainz 05 4-2, which followed up a 3-0 win away at SC Freiburg.
They also have Marco Reus on form, a player that can cause any side in the world problems. The home side will be looking to keep the German attacking midfielder quiet if they are to get anything from this game. Stuttgart, however, go in to this fixture having failed to win on their last five outings.
The stats aren't pretty for the hosts. They haven't scored for the last six games at home, something they will have to change if they are to get themselves off the bottom of the table. They've also lost five of those six games at home in which they haven't scored. History suggests Dortmund will come out on top in this fixture as Stuttgart have failed to beat them in their last nine meetings. The visitors will be keen to extend the gap between them and the relegation zone, which is currently one point.
Stuttgart are also desperate for the points, not just because they haven't wn in five games, but they are bottom of the league and it's a chance for them to drag other teams back in to danger zone.
In team news, Stuttgart's winter signing Serey Die will most likely make his full debut as Christian Gentner is suspended for one match. The hosts will be looking to Die to give them a much needed lift. Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo could feature after recovering from injury. Captain Christian Gentner is suspended.
For Dortmund, With Mats Hummels , Erik Durm and Jakub Blaszczykowski once again ruled out, Klopp should name the same side that beat Mainz 05 last week and has no intention of resting any players ahead of next weeks Champions League fixture against Juventus. Sven Bender and Sebastian Kehl could return from injury to provide options on the bench. Klopp realises his side must not get complacent after their recent good form and his focus is still firmly on escaping the relegation worries.
Talking ahead of Friday's game he said: "We're still under considerable pressure. All that matters to us is staying in the Bundesliga. I'm not thinking about anything else."
Stuttgart full-back Adam Hlousek insists he's keeping a positive attitude despite the side's struggles this season. Hlousek on the poor season so far said: "We can't let it depress us too much because being pessimistic gets you nowhere. I always try to end my days with positive thoughts, and I am totally convinced that we will reach our goal at the end of the season.''
Possible line-ups:
Stuttgart: Ulreich - G. Sakai, Baumgartl, Niedermeier, Hlousek - Oriol Romeu, Serey Die - Harnik, Leitner, Werner - Ibisevic
Dortmund: Weidenfeller - Piszczek, Subotic, Sokratis, Schmelzer - Gündogan, Sahin - Kampl, Kagawa, Reus - Aubameyang