Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Bayer Leverkusen take on Stuttgart in a mouth-watering Saturday evening match.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Up to third
Bayer Leverkusen endured a bad start to the season but since Kasper Hjulmand was installed as head coach, results have progressively picked up and they now find themselves in third-place going into Saturday round of games that survive the weather. This represents an excellent turnaround and is even more impressive when considering Leverkusen’s Champions League commitments.
Whilst Hjulmand would no doubt love some help in the January transfer window, his current squad is well-placed to kick on and guarantee Champions League football again next season. Victory here would be their third league win in a row.
Stuttgart preview: Big opportunity
Stuttgart may be currently three places below Bayer Leverkusen in the table, but victory here would see them draw level on points with their opponents. Their last away fixture against a team at the top end of the table saw them draw 3-3 away at Borussia Dortmund. Since then, Stuttgart have beaten Werder Bremen 0-4 on the road, but have struggled at home, drawing with Hoffenheim and losing 0-5 to Bayern Munich.
A team coached by Sebastian Hoeness and with some excellent attacking players are always likely to create chances and pose a huge offensive threat to Leverkusen. But they must stay strong and discipline at the other end of the field to succeed.
Bayer Leverkusen team news: Hamstring renders Poku a doubt
Bayer Leverkusen could be without Ernest Poku due to a hamstring problem. The hosts are already without three players who remain at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Belocian; Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Schick, Tillman
Unavailable: Ben Seghir (International duty), Kofane (International duty), Maza (International duty), Palacios (Injured)
Questionable: Poku (Injured)
Stuttgart team news: Hoeness headache
Stuttgart are expected to be without a number of players for this game. El Khannouss is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Zagadou, Al-Dakhil and Tomas are among those injured.
Predicted XI: (4-2-3-1): Nubel; Vagnoman, Hendriks, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Nartey, Fuhrich; Undav
Unavailable: El Khannouss (International duty), Jaquez (Injured), Zagadou (Injured), Al-Dakhil (Illness), Tomas (Injured), Jeltsch (Injured), Darvich (Injured), Jovanovic (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart prediction
This is a difficult outcome to call with both teams capable of three points, but also of limping to defeat. The first goal may end up being critical but when taking into account the quality of attackers on the pitch, it could go either way. Expect both Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart carve out multiple opportunities to find the net.
The smart play may well be to focus on an individual player, specifically Patrik Schick. The Leverkusen striker is among one of the most dangerous in Europe and if a big chance falls to him, it would be a big surprise if he wasn’t to take it. It’s likely that Schick will also be on penalties should the hosts be awarded one. Regardless of the final score, back the Czech international to score anytime here.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Stuttgart tip: Patrik Schick to score anytime
