Hannover 96 vs VfB Stuttgart preview

Although Stuttgart coach Huub Stevens insists his side will be "neither relegated nor safe" after this weekend's trip to Hannover, his own future could become clearer at the Niedersachsenstadion.

Still without a win in 2015, Stuttgart are propping up the rest of the Bundesliga and there is little to suggest their situation is going to improve.

The club's director of sport Robin Dutt refused to give Stevens his full backing after a defeat at home to Dortmund last Friday, saying that it would make him "untrustworthy" were he issue any sort of guarantee.

Stevens is also aware of how precarious the situation is, but he is counting on his years of experience to see him and his team through to the finish line.

"This is not my first game in the Bundesliga," said the 61-year-old, who was given permission to spend last weekend at home with his family in Holland.

"I know what we need to do and I know what's coming."

In the event of another defeat in Hannover, what could be coming is a second managerial change in Stuttgart this season - Stevens having replaced Armin Veh last November.

Since the Dutchman's appointment, Stuttgart have won only two Bundesliga matches. They are, however, as high as sixth in the classification of away form.

And given Hannover's recent form dive, the Swabians might fancy their chances of turning their season around in Lower Saxony and shifting the pressure to Hannover coach Tayfun Korkut, whose side are not safe yet.

"The pressure is going to motivate the team," he said at a press conference. "At least judging by training, that is what I am seeing."

Hannover have won only one of their last 11 matches and find themselves only four points above the drop zone.