The intensive Europa League home game against Ferencváros (2-1) is still being processed as preparations begin for the clash with VfB. "Stuttgart play some very attractive football particularly at home," said the 42-year-old who highlighted the strength of the key players in midfield and attack. "We’ll definitely have to make a better start than we did against Ferencváros and we can't afford to give the opponents any space."
Due to the style of play of the Stuttgart team, but also in view of the plan to freshen up his own team, Gerardo Seoane is planning to make changes to his starting eleven in comparison with the win in the Europa League. Mitchel Bakker, Robert Andrich and Paulinho have all recently started in the Bundesliga but they were rested for the game against Ferencváros.
Exequiel Palacios will probably not be available. The Argentinian Copa America winner went off injured against Ferencváros on 50 minutes. "We are still waiting for the full info but I've seen his foot and it doesn't look good for Pala being an option on Sunday," The Swiss coach has the rest of his squad to choose from with the exception of long-term absentees Edmond Tapsoba, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Julian Baumgartlinger plus goalkeeper Niklas Lomb – and that includes Piero Hincapie.
The new signing from Ecuador made his debut for the Black and Reds on Thursday night. His head coach found words of praise for the 19-year-old at the press conference on Friday: "Piero has fitted in really quickly and ensured defensive stability. He's not that far away from a possible start."
A first choice in the starting line-up is Florian Wirtz – and that at the age of 18 and five months. The Pulheim-born midfielder netted against Ferencváros to bring his contribution to scoring this season to three goals and three assists in four games. Seoane, above all, values the ability of the number 27 to make "clear decisions in the final third" and by extension his strength in finishing. "Of course, we can count on that but we shouldn't rely on it," added the Swiss. He said other players with similar qualities like Amine Adli, Moussa Diaby, Nadiem Amiri and Paulinho can play a similar role in the team.
Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werkself Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the match
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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