PREVIEW | Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart: European hopefuls set to battle it out | OneFootball

This Saturday’s topspiel in the Bundesliga is a fantastic encounter between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart. With just three points separating the sides going into this one, a win for either side could prove huge when it comes to the run-in for the Champions League spots. 

Bayer Leverkusen

Kasper Hjulmand is doing a good job at B04, considering the start they had under former coach Erik ten Hag. 

The Werkself have no trouble in finding the net. In their previous six Bundesliga fixtures, they’ve found the net on 14 occasions. What’s more, just before the winter break, they claimed a massive three points in Saxony as they beat RB Leipzig 1-3 on their home patch. 

You feel it’s going to have to be another type of performance to beat Stuttgart on Saturday evening, as they themselves are looking to break into the top four. 

When it comes to home form, B04 have only lost once in their previous six Bundesliga matches, the last coming against second-place Dortmund in November. 

One thing you can expect when Leverkusen plays Stuttgart is goals. In all competitions, these two teams have shared 20 goals in the last five fixtures. However, more often than not, it’s B04 who have come out on top. 

VfB Stuttgart

This is a huge game for Stuttgart if they’re serious about playing Champions League football next season. 

A win against Leverkusen would put them level on points with them, and should other results go their way, they may just be inside the top four by the end of the weekend. Regardless, a win and they’re very much in the conversation. 

Currently in 6th, VfB had a mixed end to 2025. In their last five matches of 2025, the Swabians lost twice, drew twice, and one just once. Their final game was a disappointing 0-0 draw with relegation-favourites, FC Heidenheim. 

However, when it comes to traveling on the road, VfB have fared better. In their past four away games, they’ve come out with all three points on three occasions. 

Without a win in Leverkusen since April 2018, how head coach Sebastian Hoeneß would like for that to end, given their recent away record. 

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen

B04 will be without the attacking options of Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane, and Ibrahim Maza, all of whom are away at AFCON. Other than those known absences, Leverkusen will be a full strength. Similar to recent games, expect Martin Terrier and Jonas Hofmann to support Patrik Schick up top. 

VfB Stuttgart

Whilst Leverkusen have forward absences, it’s defensive woes for Stuttgart. Finn Jeltsch, Dan-Axel Zagadou, and Luca Jaquez all miss out through injury, whilst centre-back Ameen Al Dakhil remains a doubt through illness. 

Elsewhere, attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is away at AFCON. 

Expect goals and entertainment in this Saturday evening topspeil in the Bundesliga. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen