Next opponents: Best team since Christmas

The men in red ended the first half of the season in 15th place, but from thereon in they have steadily risen up the table and are now on the verge of European qualification. Twelve wins and just two draws and defeats since Christmas make Stuttgart the form team of 2010, not even champions Bayern München can overtake them with victory on the final day. In the overall table, the Swabians are in sixth spot with 54 points, which should be enough to gain them entrance into the Europa League next season - an amazing turnaround.

Europa League in sight

Stuttgart's final home match of the season against Mainz last weekend did not go quite as they may have hoped. Gross' charges were able to draw level after going two behind thanks to a brace from Ciprian Marica, but the solitary point was not enough to guarantee them a place on the continent next term with a game to spare. This Saturday at the Rhein Neckar Arena, VfB require at least a point to secure a top six finish, assuming closest competitors Hamburger SV are victorious at Werder Bremen. If not, Hamburg could overtake them thanks to their superior goal difference. Still, few would argue that a place in the Europa League would be just reward for a solid second half to the season.