Just like the Werkself, Wolfsburg came through the first round of the DFB cup last week when they beat Union Fürstenwalde 4-1. But while Charles Aránguiz and Co. were able to fully focus on the clash with the team from Lower Saxony following the 7-0 win against Norderstedt, VfL faced a trip to Albania. The Green and Whites had a Europa League qualifier at FK Kukesi on Thursday night but they gave the hosts no chance as they clocked up a convincing 4-0 victory.
Peter Bosz had an eagle eye on the match involving our next opponents. "It was interesting. It's always good to be able to see an opponent beforehand. But I think we can expect a different game on Sunday – we will be stronger opponents," said the Dutchman who still believes his Werkself team are at the build-up stage. Bosz added: "We trained well this week. We're not yet up to 100 per cent but we've made a good start and are getting fitter and fitter."
Following his precautionary self-isolation in Jamaica, winger Leon Bailey flew back to Germany on Friday and has already been tested. There will be a second test on Saturday. "If everything is normal then he will train with us on Monday," Bosz explained. "The most important thing will be to have the chance to talk to him – that should happen on Monday. Then we’ll be able to put together a plan for him so that he can return to action as soon as possible."
According to the 56-year-old, new signing Patrik Schick is ready to start. The Czech Republic striker is still not 100 per cent fit. But: "Whether or not he can play from the start on Sunday? Yes, he can," declared the head coach.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The match officials will be appointed on the day of the game
Attendance: 500
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There’s lots going on at the BayArena today. The home game against FSV Mainz 05 is all about the numerous Bayer 04 fan clubs, whose birth - the founding of the "1. Fanclub 1976 Leverkusen" - dates back 50 years. A number of fan club representatives will be involved in awards, a banner display and a half-time matchday chat, and the Werkself are set to play in a special white fan club jersey. During half-time, Leverkusen mayor Stefan Hebbel and javelin world champion Steffi Nerius will also talk about the Olympic bid involving Leverkusen. Black and Red fans are advised to get to the stadium in good time today. Matchday news.
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After three consecutive victories, FSV Mainz 05 recently suffered setbacks against Borussia Dortmund (0-4) and Hamburger SV (1-1) in the battle to stay up. Nevertheless, the Mainz 05 performance curve has shown a clear upward trend in recent weeks. Their coach and a former Leverkusen player in particular have played a decisive role in this. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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