Two sides, Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, need a game to truly kickstart their season, as the top order from last season faces off on Friday night.
Bayer Leverkusen are already five points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich after eight Bundesliga games as they get set to host VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on Friday. Last weekend, Xabi Alonso’s side recorded a third draw in four games in the league, which meant more dropped points, as this time, it came against Werder Bremen.
Despite holding on to a slender 2-1 lead until the end, Leverkusen were once again defensively complacent about conceding unwanted goals. This time, it came through Bremen’s Romano Schmid in the 90th minute, which deflated Alonso’s side a little.
Heading into the latest matchday, Bayer Leverkusen meet last season’s runners-up, VfB Stuttgart, at home, where they have a formidable record. Alonso’s side have lost one, drawn five, and won 26 of their last 32 home games, which makes them slight favourites heading into Friday night.
Bayer Leverkusen have an excellent recent record against VfB Stuttgart and have won 31 out of the last 50 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to VfB Stuttgart’s nine victories.
VfB Stuttgart have won only one of their last 27 matches played in all competitions, with their only victory during this period coming by a 1-0 scoreline away from home in the Bundesliga in April 2018.
VfB Stuttgart have managed to take the lead in each of their last five matches against VfB Stuttgart in all competitions but have failed to win any of these games.
Bayer Leverkusen have lost only one of their last 42 matches in the Bundesliga, with their only league defeat during this period coming by a 3-2 scoreline at the hands of RB Leipzig this season.