Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen will host Stuttgart in a crucial Bundesliga clash at BayArena. This match is pivotal in the race for Champions League qualification. Currently, Leverkusen sits in third place with 29 points, while Stuttgart follows closely in sixth with 26 points.
Match Preview and Context
This encounter is essential for both teams, as only four points separate Leverkusen from seventh-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. The intensity of the competition in the top four means every point is critical. Leverkusen is just three points behind second-placed Borussia Dortmund. At this stage, Leverkusen has scored 33 goals while conceding 20 so far this season.
Recent Form
- Bayer Leverkusen: Unbeaten in the last three matches, they seek their third consecutive victory.
- Stuttgart: Struggling with form, they have drawn four out of their last five matches.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand has maintained an unbeaten run, with Leverkusen scoring seven goals in their last three fixtures, matching their goal tally from the previous five games. However, they have only managed one clean sheet in their last five outings.
Team News
Leverkusen faces challenges with player availability as key forwards Eliesse Ben Seghir, Ibrahim Maza, and Christian Kofane are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Right-sided forward Ernest Poku is a doubt for the match.
In response, Leverkusen is expected to employ Jonas Hofmann and Malik Tillman to support striker Patrik Schick. The midfield may feature Robert Andrich and Aleix Garcia, while the defense should consist of Jarrell Quansah, Loic Bade, and Jeanuel Belocian.
Stuttgart will miss several defensive players, including Dan-Axel Zagadou, Finn Jeltsch, and Luca Jaquez due to injuries. Additionally, attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is away for AFCON, which complicates their attacking options. In his place, Deniz Undav will lead the front line supported by Tiago Tomas, Jamie Leweling, and Nikolas Nartey.
Predicted Lineups
| Team | Possible Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Belocian; Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Tillman; Schick |
| Stuttgart | Nubel; Vagnoman, Hendriks, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Tomas, Nartey, Leweling; Undav |
Match Prediction
Experts predict a close contest, but Bayer Leverkusen is favored to secure a victory with a prediction of 2-1. Their home advantage and historical performance against Stuttgart bolster their chances. Stuttgart, despite showing defensive improvements, may find it difficult to clinch a win in this challenging encounter.
