Bayer Leverkusen host VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, 31 October, in a Bundesliga matchday eight fixture. The Werkself aim to use a home victory to maintain pressure on the league leaders and continue the strong form shown in recent cup and European matches.
They trail leaders Bayern Munich by four points. A recent record of four wins from their last five competitive games, including a 5-2 rout of 1. FC Nürnberg in the DFB-Pokal, provides cause for optimism. Their most recent league outing, however, was a 3-0 away defeat to 1899 Hoffenheim. Their form across the last five matches in all competitions reads four wins and one loss. Alongside the cup win against Nürnberg on 28 October, this run includes a 2-0 victory at OFI, a 2-1 win over SC Freiburg, a 4-0 triumph at Lech Poznan, and a 4-3 defeat at FSV Mainz 05.
The Stakes Ahead of Matchday
Stuttgart arrive as the 15th-placed side and are coming off a defeat. Opposing captain Sebastian Hoeneß must rally his team after a 1-0 loss to Hamburger SV. For Leverkusen, the match is a chance to rectify the result from the last meeting, a 3-1 defeat in Stuttgart back in May.
Tactical setup will likely mirror the recent starting eleven. Tapsoba scored twice in the 5-2 win over Nürnberg. Attacking impetus came from the likes of Jonas Hofmann, Tillman, and goalscorers Patrik Schick and Lucas Vázquez. Schick is currently Leverkusen's top scorer this season with six goals. In that cup match, Schick also scored from the penalty spot, alongside goals from Hofmann and Vázquez.
The match will be broadcast live on TV and via stream. A win is important for Leverkusen to stays in the upper third of the table before the next international break. The team's full schedule is available on the fixtures page. Kick-off at the BayArena is scheduled for 15:30 local time.
