Stuttgart vs. Bayer Leverkusen – News and Probable Lineups

The MHPArena in Stuttgart is set to host a significant matchup against Bayer Leverkusen this Saturday in the Bundesliga, where a loss for either side could jeopardize their hopes for Champions League qualification.

Heading into the second-to-last matchweek of the season, Stuttgart and Leverkusen sit in fifth and fourth place respectively, both tied on 58 points with sixth-placed Hoffenheim.

Match overview

This season, Stuttgart’s journey has indicated improvement, especially when contrasted with their ninth-place finish and 50 points from the previous season (2024-25).

However, Die Roten seem to be faltering at an inopportune moment, having not won in their last three Bundesliga matches; their latest result was a 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim on May 2.

Die Roten’s goal difference stands at 20, which is three less than that of Leverkusen. Nevertheless, with 10 goals scored in their last four fixtures, it would be unwise to assume they cannot bridge that gap.

It may be essential for head coach Sebastian Hoeness to address concerns regarding his team’s defense, which has allowed two or more goals in four of their last six top-flight games.

It’s important to note that Stuttgart’s home defensive record has been commendable, with three clean sheets recorded in five Bundesliga matches at MHPArena, where they also secured victories in three of those games.

A win for Leverkusen would not only place them in a strong position ahead of their final fixture against recently-promoted Hamburgo SV but would also serve as revenge for their 4-1 defeat in the previous encounter on January 10.

The visitors will understand that settling for a draw could be quite perilous, especially with Hoffenheim expected to secure a win against 15th-placed Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Kasper Hjulmand managed an admirable 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on May 2, and he will likely be pleased with how his team restricted their opponents to just two significant chances while generating nine themselves.

This latest win marked Die Werkself’s second in a row and their fourth in five league games, as they have now netted at least two goals in four of their last six league outings.

However, Die Schwarzroten have encountered difficulties defensively, managing only one clean sheet in their past seven top-tier encounters.

Leverkusen has gone five consecutive away Bundesliga matches without defeat, and a win on Saturday would mark their fourth victory in the last six matches away from home.

Team News

Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav has emerged as one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season, yet he has not found the net in his last four league matches and will need to improve if he aims to help his team secure Champions League qualification.

Midfielder Angelo Stiller has been outstanding this season; however, his contributions without the ball will be further tested due to the suspension of ball-winner Atakan Karazor, with Chema Andres expected to take his place.

Julian Chabot and Ramon Hendriks have made 24 and 20 top-flight appearances this season respectively and may be relied upon again in the central defense.

Leverkusen will have their key players available for this weekend’s fixture, including attackers Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella, who are anticipated to provide support for striker Patrik Schick.

Exequiel Palacios and Aleix Garcia were utilized in a double pivot against Leipzig, and this pairing is likely to control the midfield on Saturday.

Stuttgart probable starting XI:

Nubel; Assignon, Chabot, Hendriks, Mittelstadt; Chema, Stiller; Leweling, El Khannouss, Fuhrich; Undav

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI:

Flekken; Quansah, Andrich, Thapsobah; Culbreath, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Tella; Schick

Both sides are unlikely to manage a clean sheet, and since both are likely to be in pursuit of a win to stay competitive for a top-four finish, Saturday’s matchup promises to be an exciting one.

Stuttgart will need to draw on their solid home record to outplay Leverkusen, but the visitors’ determination away from home may prove challenging to overcome.