Stuttgart head coach Thomas Schneider has shifted Arthur Boka from left-back into a defensive midfield position in the absence of Ibrahima Traore for the home clash against Hertha Berlin. He takes Moritz Leitner's place in the lineup.

The recent two up front formation has been scrapped, with Timo Werner moving back to the left wing to leave Mohammed Abdellaoue as the lone striker following the heavy defeat in their last game.

For the visitors, ever-present Adrian Ramos remains up front to continue his impressive season, while Levan Kobiashvili continues at the back for the capital side.

Stuttgart: Ulreich; Sakai, Schwaab, Niedermeier, Rudiger; Khedira, Boka; Harnik, Maxim, Werner; Abdellaoue

Hertha: Kraft; Pekarik, Langkamp, Kobiashvili, Van den Bergh; Hosogai, Schulz; Ndjeng, Cigerci, Allagui; Ramos