The surprise top two sides in the Bundesliga standings from last season kick off the ninth round of matches in Germany’s top-flight on Friday.
Bayer Leverkusen have once again been difficult to beat under Xabi Alonso this term, but they have played out three draws in their last five to slip five points behind the pace being set by Bayern Munich.
Stuttgart have captured Europe’s attention with some excellent performances in the Champions League, but their domestic form has stuttered.
They come into this round after winning just once in their last four, but a victory on Friday could see them end the round above Bayer Leverkusen.
Odds
Bayer Leverkusen will be the odds-on selection on the moneyline this week. Stuttgart could be an interesting selection at the prices available.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | -178 |
| Draw | +388 |
| Stuttgart | +425 |
Leverkusen Hold Dominant Overall Record Against Stuttgart
| Total | Bayer Leverkusen | Stuttgart | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 41 | 25 | 6 | 10 |
| Bundesliga Games | 38 | 23 | 6 | 9 |
| Goals | 135 | 86 | 49 |
This fixture isn’t one that Stuttgart look ahead to at the start of a Bundesliga season.
They have won just once in their last 27 competitive matches against Leverkusen, with their only win coming in April 2018. Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Stuttgart.
Interestingly, Stuttgart have opened the scoring in the last five matches between the sides, but they haven’t won on any occasion.
🚨⚽ TIP: Both Teams to Score @ -225
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Stuttgart Key Stats
- Leverkusen have suffered a single defeat in their last 42 Bundesliga matches. No teams has picked up more points than the hosts since the start of last season.
- Leverkusen have failed to keep a clean sheet in their opening nine matches this season.
- Alonso’s side have dropped nine points from winning positions this season. Only Wolfsburg have lost more points.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Amine Adli is the notable player missing for Leverkusen this weekend, as the forward will be out until March with a broken leg. Jeanuel Belocian is also absent with a foot injury.
Possible Lineup
Lukas Hradecky (GK); Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Alex Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, Jonas Hofmann, Victor Boniface
Stuttgart Team News
Julian Chabot misses out due to suspension this week. Yannik Keittel is out until late November, while Luca Raimund, Justin Diehl, and Leonidas Stergiou are all doubts for the trip to BayArena.
Possible Lineup
Alexander Nubel (GK); Josha Vagnoman, Anrie Chase, Ramon Hendriks, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Fabian Rieder, Angelo Stiller, Enzo Millot, Jamie Leweling, El Bilal Toure, Deniz Undav
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Stuttgart Prediction
A fascinating clash between the top two teams in the Bundesliga from last season is set for the BayArena on Friday.
Leverkusen have been weak defensively so far this term, and that will give the visiting Stuttgart an excellent chance of claiming a rare positive result. Their attacking quality could see them upset the odds.
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