Stuttgart's third head coach of the season Huub Stevens has opted to stick with Carlos Gruezo and Daniel Didavi in midfield, as his side look to get themselves out of the relegation places.

In attack, Vedad Ibisevic starts alone with the support from out wide coming from Ibrahima Traore and Martin Harnik, with Didavi pushing up alongside the striker.

The visiting Freiburg, who themselves are not yet safe, have Karim Guede and Admir Mehmedi in attack with Gelson Fernandes the steel in midfield.

Stuttgart: Ulreich; Sakai, Schwaab, Rudiger, Boka; Gruezo, Gentner; Harnik, Didavi, Traore; Ibisevic

Freiburg: Baumann; Sorg, Hohn, Ginter, Gunter; Fernandes, Darida, Klaus, Schmid; Guede, Mehmedi