BVB boss Kovac eager to sign off for international break with three more points

With an extended international break spanning three weeks on the horizon, Borussia Dortmund are more motivated than ever going into Saturday's clash with Stuttgart.

That is according to head coach Niko Kovac, who feels BVB's positive performances in the early weeks of the Bundesliga season have been just as important as their perfect record.

Dortmund are one of just two teams with nine points on the board after three matchdays, alongside Freiburg, ahead of their trip to the MHPArena.

It is the first time in 11 years that Dortmund have started a campaign with three victories, after winning their first five in 2015-16. Dating back to last season, their five straight Bundesliga wins represents the longest active streak in the competition. 

"We not only have a solid points total, but also a lot of confidence. The lads are in a positive frame of mind; they are focused," Kovac said at Friday's pre-match press conference.

"We want to end it on a positive note, because it's much nicer to head home with a win. We've seen a lot of good things. We defend well as a unit. We're transitioning really well right now. 

"When we have possession, there are a few things we can do even better – we can play more cleanly. But it's early in the season, and we still need time."

Stuttgart only have three points to their name, though Sebastian Hoeness' team have had a difficult fixture list to contend with, with their two defeats coming away at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim.

And Kovac is wary of their quality, saying: "They are a very well-balanced team that can do a lot with the ball and have many talented individuals. 

"Three points sounds like very little right now, but they faced Bayern and Hoffenheim in their first three games. Those aren't easy opponents. With the atmosphere there, it's going to be very difficult for any opponent."

Dortmund have received a triple boost going into the game, with midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas back in training and available after suffering from circulatory problems during his Champions League debut against Villarreal.

Defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, meanwhile, came through last week's win over Paderborn with no issues, following their own injuries at the start of the season. 

"He has a positive attitude, is laughing, is happy, and is enjoying training," Kovac said of Karetsas.

When asked about Schlotterbeck and Bensebaini, the Dortmund boss added: "They have handled everything well and are fit and ready to play this weekend."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stuttgart – Deniz Undav

Undav has scored six goals in six Bundesliga matches against Dortmund, his joint-highest tally against any opponent alongside Augsburg. 

Last season, he scored one of his two Bundesliga hat-tricks in a 3-3 draw away at Dortmund, with the other coming against RB Leipzig.

Borussia Dortmund – Fabio Silva

Silva has scored in both of his Bundesliga appearances in 2026-27, marking the first time he has scored in two consecutive games in the competition. 

The former Wolves striker has already matched his goal tally from the entire previous season, when he made 28 appearances. 

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Stuttgart lost their last Bundesliga match against Dortmund by a 2-0 scoreline in April 2026, with both goals coming in second-half stoppage time. 

Prior to that, they had remained undefeated in their first seven competitive matches against Dortmund under Hoeness.

That aforementioned defeat to Dortmund remains the only home Bundesliga game Stuttgart have lost in 2026.

From their 11 Bundesliga home games in 2026, Stuttgart have collected 26 points (W8 D2 L1), a total bettered only by Dortmund (30).

However, Dortmund are in outstanding form, winning five straight competitive games – one more victory will equal their longest streak under Kovac, having won six in a row in April and May 2025. 

With Stuttgart boasting an imperious record on their own turf and BVB making a flawless start to the campaign, the Opta supercomputer struggles to split the teams. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Stuttgart – 40.1%

Borussia Dortmund – 35.1%

Draw – 24.8%