Bundesliga - "We dare to do it": VfB want to be the first to beat Leverkusen
VfB Stuttgart want to inflict Bayer Leverkusen's first defeat of the season in the top match of the Bundesliga. "It's a nice, exciting task to possibly be first," said VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß on Friday when asked whether the third-placed team in the table could beat the leaders on Sunday (3.30 pm/DAZN). "We have the confidence - at home with the fans - to really annoy them."
Leverkusen have yet to lose in any of their three competitions this season. Coach Xabi Alonso's side are through to the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup and have already reached the last 16 of the Europa League as group winners. Nevertheless, Stuttgart are confident after their top-class cup performance on Wednesday in their 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
"It will be exciting to see how we are able to put Leverkusen through phases that they may not have experienced often before. That they don't have control of the game themselves," explained Hoeneß. He also hinted that he may once again opt for a front two with top goalscorer Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav.
While Hoeneß is still without defender Hiroki Ito (thigh injury), the visitors are still worried about the participation of international Florian Wirtz. The attacking player suffered an ankle injury in the DFB Cup against SC Paderborn (3:1). "He's feeling better every day, but we'll have to wait and see," said Bayer coach Xabi Alonso.
VfB Stuttgart squad Bayer Leverkusen squad
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- Despite their impressive run in the DFB Cup and Europa League, Bayer 04 Leverkusen still face the challenge of avoiding their first seasonal defeat in the Bundesliga, particularly against third-placed VfB Stuttgart on Sunday.
- The top game between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart promises to be an exciting spectacle in North Rhine-Westphalia, with Sebastian Hoeneß's team aiming for a historic victory over the league leaders.
- Stuttgart, driven by the confidence from their top-class cup performance against Borussia Dortmund, are prepared to put Leverkusen under pressure and potentially take control of the game.
- Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who has guided his team to success in both the DFB Cup and Europa League, will need to ensure his side remains focused and overcome any potential distractions, such as the injury to Florian Wirtz.
- With the home advantage and support from the passionate Stuttgart fans, VfB Stuttgart believe they can 'annoy' Leverkusen and potentially inflict a rare defeat on the Bundesliga leaders.
- The soccer league in Germany is witnessing an intriguing battle between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen, as both teams strive for victory and to set themselves apart in the top echelons of German soccer.
- Sebastian Hoeneß, the VfB Stuttgart coach, has shown a tactical approach by considering a striking duo of top goalscorer Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav for the crucial match against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Born in Baden-Württemberg, Xabi Alonso continues to demonstrate his managerial prowess, leading a resolute Leverkusen side in their quest for success in both the Bundesliga and European competitions.
- Soccer fans around Germany and on Dazn can anticipate an enthralling clash between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, with high stakes and bragging rights on the line in this top-tier Bundesliga encounter.
Source: www.stern.de
