News in brief #S04B04: Deniz Aytekin is the ref at Schalke

#S04B04 – match facts

Bayer 04 have not lost to Schalke for the last seven games. This is the longest such run for Leverkusen against any current Bundesliga side. The previous meeting with the Royal Blues in October of last year was the first game in charge for Xabi Alonso and the Werkself won 4-0 in front of a full house at the BayArena. That was the highest ever win for a Werkself coach in his first Bundesliga fixture with the Black and Reds. However, beware: Schalke are unbeaten in eight games. Further information on today's opposition is available in our lowdown on the next opponents.

Trio missing in Gelsenkirchen

Xabi Alonso will have to continue to manage without the services of Nadiem Amiri, currently in rehab training after a groin injury, plus the long-term injured players Patrik Schick and Charles Aránguiz. Alonso: "Both of them feel better but need more time. We can't say exactly when they'll be fit again."

Aytekin is the ref

The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Deniz Aytekin as the match referee for the game against the next-to-bottom side at the Veltins Arena. This will be match number 36 involving the Werkself for the 44-year-old match official. Aytekin's assistants are Christian Dietz and Eduard Beitinger with Pascal Müller in action as the VAR official.

International weeks against racism

As in previous years, Bayer 04 is again supporting the International Weeks against Racism. From 20 March to 2 April this year's weeks of action are taking place under the motto 'Misch Dich ein' (Get involved). The German Football League (DFL), the DFL Foundation and the 36 professional clubs are sending out a clear statement against racism and racial discrimination on Bundesliga matchday 26. Further information on the campaign can be found  HERE.

#BayerSportsfamily: Football then Basketball

Anybody wanting to experience top-level sport in Leverkusen on Saturday evening can see the Bayer Giants against the Dresden Titans for just €5 on production of a ticket for the away game at Schalke. The basketball match starts at 19.30 CEST at the Ostermann Arena opposite the BayArena in Leverkusen.

Werkself Radio and live text updates

As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick und Niko Hartmann. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.