Bayer Leverkusen will host VfB Stuttgart in a Bundesliga clash at the BayArena on Friday evening. Both sides come into this fixture on the back of victories in the DFB Pokal, with Leverkusen securing a 3-0 win over SV 07 Elversberg and Stuttgart edging past 1 FC Kaiserslautern with a 2-1 scoreline. As they return to league action, the hosts will look to capitalise on home advantage, while the visitors aim to carry their cup form into the Bundesliga.
How to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart live and online from the UK
Footy fans in the UK can catch the Leverkusen vs. Stuttgart clash live on bet365, the bookmaker channel. Make sure you've got an account sorted to tune in for all the action.
Everything you need to know: Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart
Bayer Leverkusen are the clear favourites to bag the three points in their clash against VfB Stuttgart, with a solid 61.3% chance of a home victory. The odds from bet365 back this up, offering 1.55 for a Leverkusen win. The Werkself are expected to dominate proceedings, while Stuttgart, the underdogs in this encounter, have a slim 17.64% chance of pulling off an upset. A draw sits at a 21.09% probability, with odds of 4.6, suggesting it's a less likely outcome but not entirely off the cards. The bookies have Stuttgart at longer odds of 5.25, reflecting their uphill battle against a formidable Leverkusen side. Factors such as home advantage and current form likely play into these predictions, tipping the scales in favour of Leverkusen. The odds and percentages paint a picture of a match where the hosts are expected to control the tempo and come out on top, while Stuttgart will need to dig deep to defy the odds and snatch a result.
Bayer Leverkusen Match History
Bayer Leverkusen's recent away form has been a mixed bag, showcasing both resilience and room for improvement. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself have been involved in some thrilling encounters, notably a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, where they showed attacking flair but also defensive vulnerabilities. Their ability to find the net is evident, yet the defence has been leaky, as seen in their 2-2 stalemate with Holstein Kiel. In Europe, Leverkusen managed to grind out a 1-1 draw against Stade Brest 29, a result that reflects their knack for staying competitive on foreign soil, even if they're not quite sealing the wins. On home turf, Leverkusen have been more assertive, with a commanding 3-0 victory over SV 07 Elversberg in the DFB Pokal, highlighting their attacking prowess when playing in front of their fans. Their Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt saw them edge out a 2-1 win, further cementing their status as a formidable force at home. However, their Champions League outing against AC Milan ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, suggesting that while they can hold their own, there's still a gap to bridge when facing Europe's elite. Overall, Leverkusen's recent performances indicate a team with potential but one that needs to tighten up defensively to turn draws into victories, especially on the road.
VfB Stuttgart Match Performance
Stuttgart's recent away form has been a mixed bag, showcasing both resilience and vulnerability. The standout performance was their gritty 1-0 victory against Juventus in the Champions League, a result that undoubtedly boosted their confidence on the European stage. However, this was sandwiched between a heavy 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, highlighting defensive frailties when facing top-tier domestic opposition. A 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim further underscores their struggle to consistently secure points on the road, indicating a need for more offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Despite these challenges, Stuttgart's ability to snatch a win against a formidable Juventus side suggests they have the potential to punch above their weight. Their away performances reflect a team still searching for balance; they can be formidable on their day but often struggle to maintain consistency. The Swabians will need to tighten up at the back and find a way to convert draws into victories if they are to climb the Bundesliga table and make a deeper run in Europe.
Key past matches between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart
In the head-to-head encounters between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, the Werkself have clearly dominated the proceedings. Out of 11 matches, Leverkusen have come out on top six times, with an impressive record of five victories at home and one away. Their ability to secure wins at the BayArena has been a significant factor in their upper hand in this rivalry. Despite the competitive nature of these fixtures, Stuttgart have yet to register a win against Leverkusen, highlighting a persistent struggle to break through their opponent's defences. On the flip side, Stuttgart's performance in these matchups has been less than stellar, as they have failed to notch a single victory, whether at home or away. However, the Swabians have managed to hold Leverkusen to a draw on five occasions, demonstrating a certain resilience and ability to grind out results even when not at their best. The most recent clash ended in a 2-2 draw in the Super Cup, indicating that while Stuttgart are yet to taste victory, they are capable of challenging Leverkusen and making life difficult for their opponents.
How are Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart doing in the league table
Bayer Leverkusen are currently in third position, while VfB Stuttgart are in eighth position in the standings.
