#VFBB04 – 04 facts ahead of Stuttgart game

The team under coach Peter Bosz have failed a number of hurdles in the race for a European finish recently. After the Werkself were just 04 points behind a Champions League spot following the victory over Hannover 96, the run of three defeats in succession ahead of matchday 29 puts them three points behind a qualifying place for the Europa League. In the remaining six games, Leverkusen want to overcome the problem of missing players to keep the dream alive of competing on the European stage next season. Next stop: Stuttgart. Here are 04 seminal facts on #VFBB04…

Yes, we can!

Fluffing lines is forbidden! That is probably the most important maxim ahead of the run-in for the Black and Reds.  If we can take our chances then the outstanding away record of the Werkself should continue against the relegation-threatened Swabians – following on from last season's 2-0 victory. Bayer 04 are unbeaten in their last seven away games (including five wins) at VfB Stuttgart. The last defeat in the Baden-Württemberg state capital was back in April 2010. Since then, this fixture has produced eleven black and red wins plus three draws. The Black and Reds have won 16 of the previous 38 meetings in Stuttgart – and that is exactly as many as the hosts. And in terms of goals scored at Stuttgart, Bayer 04 have their noses just in front (62 for and 60 against). The Werkself like playing against VfB – Bayer 04 have only scored more goals in the Bundesliga against Gladbach (138) than the 132 against Stuttgart. So it really suits the current situation that VfB Stuttgart have not kept a clean sheet since matchday 13 – longer than any other Bundesliga team.

Exemplary

The hosts have picked up 21 points from the previous 28 matches this season – a record low total. However, the worst run for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga  since the first year in the top flight in 1963 is no reason to underestimate the team coached by Markus Weinzierl. Particularly not at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the name of the VfB stadium since 2008. Finally, the Swabians, unbeaten in three games at home, have earned 75 per cent of their points this term at Mercedesstraße 87 – to be more precise 16 out of 21. Not bad! Since the middle of February, the team lying fifth in the all-time table have been on the verge of an historic 200th defeat at home. Only one team has done that so far: Hamburg SV. And which side inflicted the 200th home defeat on HSV? Correct, Bayer 04. And that was last season. They say once doesn't count. So do it again lads for the final run-in…

Celebration

Kai Havertz keeps on going and going – and one or two battery manufacturers would be happy to make that claim. The 19-year-old has not missed a league game this season. With 2,362 minutes played in the Bundesliga, he is just behind Jonathan Tah (2,399) and is not only an ever present with the Werkself but his 319.1 kilometres covered in this campaign sees him lead the Black and Reds (ahead of Kevin Volland on 298.7 kilometres). He not only coolly converted his penalty against RB Leipzig last weekend but also scored with a brilliant volley on the turn - a wonder goal. Wow! Brilliant! It was also the twelfth goal of the season for the Werkself number 29. Only two younger players have scored 12 goals in a season in the Bundesliga (Horst Köppel and Ditmar Jakobs). Ahead of the game against Stuttgart, the huge talent is set to play his 83rd Bundesliga game, which will also be his 100th professional competitive appearance for Leverkusen. In three Bundesliga seasons, Havertz has clocked up an impressive 19 goals and 19 assists. Only two pros have ever managed that before (Horst Köppel and Olaf Thon). Can Kai celebrate with a goal on Saturday? He scored at Stuttgart last season. So he could do it again, fingers crossed.

Happy birthday, Rudi

For Stuttgart, Mario Gomez  can look forward most to the clash with the Werkself. The 33-year-old former Germany striker has not scored against any other team as often in his career to date (12 in 15 games). However, Gomez was unable to find the back of the net in the last two fixtures. In the last 04 games, the Werkself have only conceded one goal to Stuttgart (Christian Gentner in the 1-0 defeat at the BayArena at the end of April 2018) with two goals to celebrate for the Black and Reds in the three other games. And hopefully the ball will land in the Stuttgart net this time as there have only been three away games this season where Bayer failed to score. That was in Mönchengladbach, Freiburg and Leipzig. Otherwise, Kevin Volland and Co. have certainly posed a threat in front of goal on the road – the 27 away goals is the third highest number in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich (34) and Hoffenheim (33). For another successful performance, the Werkself have a special lucky charm in the shape of Rudi Völler. The sporting managing director at Bayer 04 celebrates his 59th birthday on Saturday. The Werkself have never lost on that special day  but instead have earned 04 wins and three draws – including a 3-0 home victory against VfB on Rudi's 48th birthday. And three points are definitely on his wish list eleven years later. 

Match information:
Previous result: 2-0 (H)
Venue: Mercedes Benz Arena (60,449 capacity)
Referee: Tobias Stieler (Hamburg)
Weather forecast: 7 degrees, showers
Live TV broadcaster: Sky