"I can feel the anticipation too," admitted the Werkself head coach ahead of the clash with his former club. And this time there will hopefully be a better result than in last season's appearance of Bayer 04 at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund: The Black and Reds were unfortunate to lose 3-2 given a significantly higher amount of possession and a greater number of chances. "We played well but BVB ended up winning. And in football it's all about winning," the Dutchman declared. Now, after three defeats in succession against the Black and Yellows, it's finally time for a win at the 04th attempt.
The Werkself head coach refuses to be influenced by any talk of possible disruption for Dortmund after their recent defeat in the league away to newly promoted Union Berlin (1-3). Instead, Bosz wants to focus his attention on his own team: "It's not so important to me that BVB could be under more pressure. I always focus on my own team – the line-up, how we train or how we want to play against the opposition. Anything else doesn't interest me."
Peter Bosz has almost his full squad to choose from. On Friday afternoon, he still did not know how his players who were on international duty coped with the rigours of travel in yesterday's training session. "I'll decide later about who is available after the final training session," said Bosz who will probably only be without Joel Pohjanpalo (training deficit) against BVB. Today's birthday boy has just returned to full training this week after a persistent ankle injury. Sven Bender, who suffered a shoulder injury in training on Tuesday, also trained yesterday and should be available for tomorrow's game according to Bosz.
Tomorrow's game in Dortmund brings together the two teams who have had the most possession so far this season. While the Werkself are up to 72%, BVB have 75%. Bosz refused to venture an opinion on how open tomorrow's game could be: "We always want to play our own game both home and away."
Match information
Stadium: Signal Iduna Park (81,365 capacity)
Previous results: 2-4 (H), 2-3 (A)
Weather forecast: 21 degrees, predominantly sunny
Referee: Daniel Siebert (Berlin)
Live TV broadcaster: Sky Sport


Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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