According to head coach Peter Bosz, the fitness of his players is of great significance looking at the forthcoming fixtures. "Energy is very important for the way we play. We need that energy to be successful at the end of the season. After the shutdown due to coronavirus, all teams are finding it difficult to get into a rhythm. That's true. But we're doing well on that front," said the Dutchman at the virtual pre-match press conference.
Behind closed doors at the Veltins Arena on Sunday night, the Werkself will be looking to build on the impressive performance in the DFB Cup semi-final at FC Saarbrücken (3-0). Schalke have not won in the Bundesliga since 17 January and have only picked up one point from five games since the Bundesliga restart. "It's difficult to say what we'll face. Schalke in the second half of the season are very different to the Schalke from the first half of the season," said Bosz, whose team were two points behind the Royal Blues at the winter break and are now 18 points ahead. "It's clear that confidence is lacking at the moment. But they have nothing much else to lose."
Bosz, who always focuses on his own team in the build up to a match, will have to manage with at least two players against Schalke 04: Skipper Lars Bender is still sidelined through injury. Karim Bellarabi is also ruled out for the away game at Schalke. The winger picked up a thigh injury in the cup semi-final on Tuesday. Bosz explained: "I haven't got a full diagnosis as yet. His thigh tightened in the cup game. In the moment, I can't say whether he will be able to play in the next three weeks."
In addition, Exequiel Palacios missed today's training session due to illness. Kai Havertz was back on the training ground with the squad this morning. "But we only did light training this morning. We have to be careful and I can't say anything definite about Kai," said Bosz about yesterday's birthday boy.
The race for a Champions League slot is in full swing. Before Bayer 04 kick-off in Gelsenkirchen, Champions League rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach play FC Bayern on Saturday night (kick-off:18.30 CET). "When you see a direct rival like Gladbach are playing away in Munich then that might offer the opportunity to go ahead of them. But there's no point at looking what they do if we don't beat Schalke," declared Bosz.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the game.
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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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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