Leverkusen versus VfB Stuttgart

The DFB-Pokal quarterfinals 23/24 bring a mouth-watering clash to Leverkusen, where Bayer 04 will host VfB Stuttgart. Here’s everything you need to know about the personnel and the expected lineups for this top-tier matchup.

It’s a battle between first and third place on Tuesday evening (20:45) in Leverkusen. In the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals, the match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart stands out as the only all-Bundesliga encounter. Clearly, the victor will emerge as the major favorite for the title.

Both teams head into the match on the back of league victories. While the Werkself might have their upcoming summit meeting with Bayern on Saturday evening (18:30) in mind, dreams of a major triumph are already brewing in Swabia. However, VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß emphasized the challenge’s difficulty in Monday’s press conference, noting that Bayer 04 remains unbeaten in competitive games this season.

Bayer coach Xabi Alonso also expressed respect for the opponent ahead of their season’s second encounter. “I like the way Stuttgart plays. They play intelligently and with good structure,” said the Spaniard. The first Bundesliga encounter in Stuttgart ended in a 1-1 draw after two contrasting halves. Alonso intends to “use the experiences” gained from the first duel.

How will Leverkusen approach the cup duel?

Leverkusen will still be missing the injured Victor Boniface and Exequiel Palacios. After several changes in the game against Darmstadt, Alonso is expected to make a few swaps in his starting lineup on Tuesday.

Cup goalkeeper Matej Kovar will be in goal. Edmond Tapsoba might return to play after his Africa Cup participation. Jeremie Frimpong is also expected back in the starting XI, even though his substitute Nathan Tella shone with a brace against Darmstadt. Patrik Schick is likely to lead the attack from the start, with Jonas Hofmann also expected to start.

Probable Leverkusen lineup:

Kovar – Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié – Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo – Hofmann, Wirtz – Schick

Bayer 04 Absences:

Victor Boniface (adductor surgery)

Palacios (thigh injury)

Odilon Kossounou (Africa Cup)

Arthur (thigh injury)

Could Guirassy make a comeback in Leverkusen?

For VfB Stuttgart, the squad remains unchanged from the 3-1 victory in Freiburg. This includes Anthony Rouault, who impressed as Zagadou’s replacement last Saturday but suffered a broken nose. “A mask is being made. But I don’t think he will play with it,” Hoeneß said on Monday. Nevertheless, the Frenchman could still be an option against Leverkusen.

Hiroki Ito, returning from the Asia Cup, is also a potential choice. However, it remains uncertain whether Serhou Guirassy will be part of the squad. Stuttgart’s top striker is back from the Africa Cup but has recently been dealing with gastrointestinal issues. He might still travel to Leverkusen as a potential substitute.

Probable VfB Stuttgart lineup:

Nübel – Vagnoman, Anton, Rouault (Ito), Mittelstädt – Karazor, Stiller – Leweling, Millot, Führich – Undav

VfB Stuttgart Absences:

Silas (Africa Cup)

Woo-Yeong Jeong (Asia Cup)

Dan-Axel Zagadou (ACL tear)

Nikolas Nartey (rehab)

Lilian Egloff (lacking match fitness)

On Tuesday evening, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart will face off in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals. Here’s a comprehensive overview of all the important details for this cup highlight.

BayArena (Leverkusen)

This will be the fourth time the two clubs meet in the DFB-Pokal, with Bayer 04 Leverkusen winning all previous three encounters. Their last meeting in the Bundesliga in mid-December (in Stuttgart) ended in a 1-1 draw.

Over the past weekend, the Werkself continued their impressive winning streak, remaining unbeaten in their 29th game of the season. Xabi Alonso’s team secured a 2-0 victory against SV Darmstadt 98. On their way to the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals, the Bundesliga leaders knocked out FC Teutonia 05 Ottensen (8-0), SV Sandhausen (5-2), and SC Paderborn (3-1).

VfB Stuttgart also had a successful dress rehearsal before the cup highlight, securing a 3-1 win against SC Freiburg. In the previous rounds of the cup, the Swabians overcame TSG Balingen (4-0), Union Berlin (1-0), and Borussia Dortmund (2-0).

Where can Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart be watched?

The cup highlight will be broadcast not only on the pay-TV channel Sky but also on free TV (Das Erste). For those wishing to follow the match via stream, options include WOW, Sky Go, Das Erste Mediathek, OneFootball, and sportschau.de.