Bayer Leverkusen vs. VfB Stuttgart: probable teams, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Having struggled for consistency all season, the upcoming end of the domestic fixture list in 2022 appears to have sharpened Leverkusen's focus. Back-to-back victories over Union Berlin and derby rivals Cologne not only fired them out of the relegation zone but also injected a much-needed dose of self-belief. Another victory here, coupled with favourable results elsewhere this weekend, could leave Alonso's side in midtable over the winter break. The Spanish tactician will have to make do without midfield enforcer Robert Andrich, however, so Kerem Demirbay should slot straight in. With star striker Patrik Schick doubtful due to injury, his Czech compatriot Adam Hlozek should begin in attack once more. The impressive link-up down the right between Moussa Diaby (five goals three assists) and Jeremie Frimpong (five and two) should mean the duo start once more.

Stuttgart come into this game just a point worse off than their hosts in 15th place, themselves having enjoyed an upturn in results after appointing Michael Wimmer as caretaker coach following the dismissal of Pellegrino Matarazzo. A last-gasp Konstantinos Mavropanos winner to grab a 2-1 victory over Hertha Berlin on Tuesday came at a cost though, with the Greek defender now suspended and captain Wataru Endo ruled out with concussion. VfB are yet to win away from home all season (D3 L3) - all year in fact - but there is at least cause for optimism in the form of striker Serhou Guirassy. He has two goals in his last three outings.

Watch: Highlights of Leverkusen's derby win over Cologne

Leverkusen have won seven of a possible nine points in home games under Xabi Alonso so far, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Frimpong's five goals and two assists in the Bundesliga this season make him the highest-scoring defender in the league.

Die Werkself have won back-to-back Bundesliga games for the first time this season. All seven goals scored in those two matches came in the second half.

VfB have won four of their six games under interim coach Michael Wimmer so far - but all of those have come at home. They've lost both away matches under his charge.

Borna Sosa has made more crosses from open play (51) than any other player this season.

If Stuttgart fail to win it would mark the first time in the club's history that they have gone an entire calendar year without picking up a victory on the road. They are currently on a 16-game winless run away from home.

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Probable teams

Leverkusen: Hradecky (c) - Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie - Frimpong, Palacios, Demirbay, Sinkgraven - Diaby, Hlozek, Amiri

Out: Andrich (suspended), Azmoun (muscular)

Doubtful: Aranguiz (calf), Paulinho (flu), Schick (adductor), Wirtz (fitness)

Coach: Xabi Alonso

Stuttgart: Müller - Vagnoman, Anton (c), Ito, Sosa - Tomas, Karazor, Ahamada, Millot - Silas, Guirassy

Out: Endo (concussion), Mavropanos (suspended)

Doubtful: Führich (muscular)

Coach: Michael Wimmer

About the clubs Bayer 04 Leverkusen

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VfB Stuttgart

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