VfB Stuttgart vs. Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 16 March 2025 - bettingexpert
Get set for an intriguing Bundesliga clash this Saturday at 18:30 as VfB Stuttgart hosts Bayer Leverkusen at MHPArena. Stuttgart, currently sitting eighth with 37 points, has had a mixed bag of results lately and is looking to bounce back after a 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel. Meanwhile, second-placed Leverkusen, with 53 points, aims to solidify their top-two position despite recent setbacks, having lost their last three matches, including a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen, the bookmakers’ favourite, has historically performed well against Stuttgart, who will be missing key defender Leonidas Stergiou due to suspension, adding to their injury woes. Expect an entertaining game with Leverkusen likely to score first and exploit Stuttgart’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen to win 3-1.
VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the current form and historical performance, our recommended betting tip is for Bayer Leverkusen to secure the win. They are in better overall form compared to Stuttgart and have a strong track record in recent encounters. Stuttgart’s defensive issues and several key injuries also position Leverkusen as the likely victor.
| VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Bayer Leverkusen to win | 2.29 |
- Bayer Leverkusen has stronger form and is higher in the standings.
- Stuttgart has struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per match.
- Key players for Stuttgart are either injured or suspended, making it hard for them to perform at their best.
VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Odds
With the game set for the 26th round of the Bundesliga, the bookmakers have Bayer Leverkusen pegged as the favorites.
| VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| VfB Stuttgart | 2.96 |
| Draw | 3.52 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 2.29 |
Leverkusen’s recent run of mixed results and Stuttgart’s defensive frailties influence these odds. Despite Leverkusen’s troubles, they are still ahead in both form and the standings. Stuttgart’s injury woes further tilt the scale in favor of the visitors. This match will test Stuttgart’s resilience, especially against a Leverkusen squad eyeing to bounce back.
VfB Stuttgart Team Analysis
VfB Stuttgart Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holstein Kiel | VfB Stuttgart | 2025-03-08 | Bundesliga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| VfB Stuttgart | Bayern Munich | 2025-02-28 | Bundesliga | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Hoffenheim | VfB Stuttgart | 2025-02-23 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| VfB Stuttgart | Wolfsburg | 2025-02-15 | Bundesliga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Borussia Dortmund | VfB Stuttgart | 2025-02-08 | Bundesliga | 1-2 (Win) |
VfB Stuttgart have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, with one win, two draws, and two losses.
Recent Form: WDLDL
They’ve been struggling defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of these games. On the bright side, they’ve managed to score in all five matches, averaging 1.40 goals per game. This offensive consistency will be crucial in their upcoming match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Stuttgart’s last match was a close 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel, showing that while they can score, their defense remains a vulnerability. Given their defensive struggles and the absence of key players like Dan-Axel Zagadou, Stuttgart’s resilience will be put to the test.
VfB Stuttgart Key Players
VfB Stuttgart will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact against Bayer Leverkusen. The star of the show is Ermedin Demirović, who is their top scorer with 9 goals. His presence up front is crucial, especially in piercing through Bayer’s solid defense led by Jonathan Tah.
Another significant player is Chris Führich, who will be pivotal in the midfield, orchestrating play and providing key passes. In defense, Julian Chabot will need to step up, especially with the absence of Dan-Axel Zagadou due to knee surgery.
Expected lineup for VfB Stuttgart:
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Nübel
- Defenders: Josha Vagnoman, Finn Jeltsch, Julian Chabot, Maximilian Mittelstädt
- Midfielders: Jamie Leweling, Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller, Chris Führich
- Forwards: Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade
Stuttgart’s performance will hinge on these players winning their individual battles, particularly Demirović against Bayer Leverkusen’s formidable backline.
VfB Stuttgart Suspensions & Injuries
VfB Stuttgart is dealing with several injuries and a suspension that could significantly impact their performance against Bayer Leverkusen. Here are the details:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Dan-Axel Zagadou | Knee surgery | Early May 2025 |
| Luca Raimund | Thigh injury | Late March 2025 |
| Nikolas Nartey | Hip injury | Late March 2025 |
| Anrie Chase | Groin injury | Early April 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ———————— | ————————— | ———————- |
| Leonidas Stergiou | Red card | 2 matches left |
The injuries to key players like Dan-Axel Zagadou and Nikolas Nartey could weaken Stuttgart’s defense and midfield, while Stergiou’s suspension further depletes their defensive options. Sebastian Hoeneß will need to strategize effectively to cover these gaps.
VfB Stuttgart Tactics and Formation
VfB Stuttgart Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
With Leonidas Stergiou suspended, Stuttgart is likely to field a sturdy 4-4-2. - Key Forwards: Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade
Expect these two to lead Stuttgart’s attack. They’ll need to press Bayer Leverkusen’s defense aggressively. - Midfield Setup: Jamie Leweling, Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller, Chris Führich
This midfield lineup offers a balanced mix of defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Karazor and Stiller are tasked with shielding the back four while enabling transitions to attack. - Defensive Line: Josha Vagnoman, Finn Jeltsch, Julian Chabot, Maximilian Mittelstädt
Stuttgart’s defense needs to tighten up, having conceded 1.6 goals on average this season. Mittelstädt will be crucial for defensive duties and supporting attacks down the left. - Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and exploiting the flanks.
Stuttgart will aim to hit on fast counterattacks, leveraging their pace out wide. Their defense must stay compact to neutralize Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking threats.
Bayer Leverkusen Team Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | Bayern Munich | 2025-03-11 | Champions League | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Werder Bremen | 2025-03-08 | Bundesliga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Bayern Munich | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-03-05 | Champions League | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-03-01 | Bundesliga | 1-4 (Win) |
| Holstein Kiel | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-02-22 | Bundesliga | 0-2 (Win) |
Bayer Leverkusen’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins followed by three straight losses. Despite hitting a rough patch recently, Leverkusen has demonstrated their attacking capabilities, averaging 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings.
Their defensive struggles are evident, with only one clean sheet in the same period. This inconsistency has not stopped them from maintaining a strong position in the league standings, as they are currently sitting second. The upcoming game against Stuttgart presents an opportunity for them to regain their winning momentum.
Bayer Leverkusen Key Players
Expected lineup for Bayer Leverkusen:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hrádecký
- Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapié
- Midfielders: Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Alejandro Grimaldo
- Attackers: Amine Adli, Aleix Garcia, Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick, with his 16 goals this season, will be leading the attack and is a crucial player to watch. His continual threat up front is bolstered by the creative play from midfielders like Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka, who provide both defensive stability and attacking impetus.
Look out for key battles, such as Schick facing Stuttgart’s defensive line, and Frimpong’s duel with Stuttgart’s wingers, which could prove pivotal in determining the match’s outcome.
Bayer Leverkusen Suspensions & Injuries
Leverkusen has several players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact their squad depth and performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jeanuel Belocian | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid September 2025 |
| Martin Terrier | Achilles tendon injury | Out for season |
| Florian Wirtz | Ankle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Mario Hermoso | Shoulder injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Nathan Tella | Muscle injury | Late March 2025 |
Leverkusen currently has no suspensions.
The absence of key players like Florian Wirtz, Martin Terrier, and Mario Hermoso will test the squad’s flexibility. Wirtz’s creativity from midfield will be particularly missed, and Patrick Schick might have to shoulder more attacking responsibility in his absence. The defensive unit will need to step up without Hermoso to maintain solidity at the back.
Looking ahead, these injuries may slightly alter the team’s dynamics, but Leverkusen’s depth should help compensate against Stuttgart.
Bayer Leverkusen Tactics and Formation
Bayer Leverkusen’s Tactical Breakdown:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Key Forward: Patrik Schick
Midfield Core: Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Aleix Garcia, Amine Adli
Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, often adopts a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Offensive Strategy:
- Schick is pivotal up front with 16 goals, supported by Adli and Garcia who provide creative play and goal-scoring chances.
- The offensive width comes from wing-backs Frimpong and Grimaldo, who push high.
Midfield Dynamic:
- Xhaka and Andrich offer a sturdy central midfield presence, both able to break up play and initiate attacks.
Defensive Setup:
- The back three, featuring Tah, Mukiele, and Hincapié, plus the experienced Hradecky in goal, provides solidity.
Expect Leverkusen to control possession, press high, and leverage Schick’s scoring prowess to capitalize on Stuttgart’s defensive vulnerabilities.
VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | VfB Stuttgart | 2024-11-01 | Bundesliga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | VfB Stuttgart | 2024-08-17 | Super Cup | 2-2 (4-3 on pens) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | VfB Stuttgart | 2024-04-27 | Bundesliga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | VfB Stuttgart | 2024-02-06 | DFB Pokal | 3-2 (Win) |
| VfB Stuttgart | Bayer Leverkusen | 2023-12-10 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
In their last five meetings, Bayer Leverkusen have generally had the upper hand, managing two wins and three draws against VfB Stuttgart. Most notably, their clash in the Super Cup went to penalties, highlighting the competitiveness between these teams. With Leverkusen currently in second place and Stuttgart struggling defensively, it’s likely to be another challenging encounter for the home team at MHPArena.
Odds accurate as of 14 March 2025, 18:32, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
