Bayer Leverkusen are set to face off against VfB Stuttgart in the upcoming DFL-Supercup clash at the BayArena. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm UK time on Saturday and promises to be an exciting showdown.
Under the guidance of former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title last season in impressive fashion. They emerged victorious against tough opponents like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, going unbeaten throughout the league campaign.
However, this season could prove to be more challenging for Bayer Leverkusen. With Vincent Kompany taking charge of Bayern Munich and other teams like Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart strengthening their squads, it will be difficult for Alonso’s side to maintain their unbeaten streak and defend their title.
Nevertheless, Bayer Leverkusen boasts a strong squad that includes talented players like Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Florian Wirtz, Patrik Schick, Nathan Tella, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, and Victor Boniface. The home fans at the BayArena will be confident in their team’s abilities and hope for a winning start in the DFL-Supercup.
In terms of team news, Bayer Leverkusen is expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Hradecky will guard the goal, with Koussounou, Tah, and Tapsoba forming the defensive line. Tella, Garcia, Andrich, and Terrier will occupy the midfield positions, while Wirtz and Hofmann will play in attacking midfield. Boniface will lead the line for Bayer.
On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart is a historic club in Germany, having won the Bundesliga five times and the DFB-Pokal three times. Last season, under Sebastian Hoeness’s management, Stuttgart achieved an impressive second-place finish in the Bundesliga, surpassing the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
However, Stuttgart will face the challenge of balancing their UEFA Champions League commitments alongside their league fixtures this season. Despite this, they possess a talented squad including players like Alexander Nubel, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Justin Diehl, and Thomas Kastanaras. Similar to Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart will be determined to secure victory in the Super Cup clash.
In terms of team news, VfB Stuttgart is expected to field a strong lineup against Bayer Leverkusen. Alexander Nübel, Frans Krätzig, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Thomas Kastanaras, and Justin Diehl could all feature in the starting XI.
Considering the key factors, Bayer Leverkusen won one out of their four pre-season friendly matches and scored six goals while conceding eight. On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart scored 22 goals and conceded six in their five pre-season friendly games.
In conclusion, both Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart had exceptional performances last season and will be eager to kick off the new campaign on a positive note. This promises to be a highly competitive match, with Bayer Leverkusen potentially edging out a narrow victory by a single goal.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen to win 2-1
Best Odds: 67/10
Bookmaker: Zetbet
