Following the pre-match press conference and final pre-match training session, the Werkself headed south on Thursday afternoon – the ICE 915 train set off at 15.14 CET from the station in Deutz on course for the city of tonight's opponents and the squad then made their way to the team hotel. On Friday morning, Herrlich and his fellow coaches held a warm-up session at the sports facility on Mercedesstraße. After lunch, a chance to rest and an afternoon snack, the Werkself will set off for the venue at 18.30 CET two hours ahead of the kick-off at an almost completely sold out stadium. Bayer 04 will play in a black strip and the hosts from Stuttgart in their white home kit.
VfB Stuttgart, where the former Bayer 04 general manager Michael Reschketook over as sporting director in the summer, take on the Black and Reds for the 75th time in Germany's top flight on Friday night. The stats are clearly in favour of the Rhinelanders: The Werkself have won 33 times, Stuttgart eleven times less (plus 19 draws). Bayer 04 have won 15 times at Stuttgart. However, VfB have won five of their six home games at the Mercedes Benz Arena this season with only FC Augsburg taking a point in a 0-0 draw. The team coached by Hannes Wolf have only conceded two goals – the best return in the league. Moreover: Over the course of two seasons VfB have only dropped three points in the last 15 home games (12 wins, three draws).
Herrlich and his team need not be disheartened. As previously mentioned, Bayer 04 have beaten VfB Stuttgart 33 times. the Black and Reds have not beaten any other team in the Bundesliga as often. Above all, to other runs favour the visitors from the Rhineland. Including the 4-2 DFB Cup win against Union Berlin, then the Herrlich team are unbeaten in ten games – a longer run than any other team in the Bundesliga. And looking at recent meetings with VfB gives the Black and Reds hope: Stuttgart have not beaten the Werkself in 12 games (nine wins, three draws).
Stuttgart and Konstanz are 130 kilometres apart as the crow flies. And although both are in the state of Baden-Württemberg the smaller place has a double meaning. Konstanz also means consistency in English, which the team from the biggest city in the state is missing. VfB have not won two Bundesliga games in succession this season but they have not lost or drawn twice on the bounce either. The recent home win against Borussia Dortmund was followed by a draw at Hannover 96 and a defeat away to Werder Bremen. Will that Stuttgart run continue…let's leave it!
The successful run for the Werkself is, despite the togetherness as a team, also closely linked to Kevin Volland. The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for weeks now. Thanks to his fifth goal in the last six league games (plus one assist) he has moved up to third place in the top goal scorers list and is currently the most effective German player in the Bundesliga. In addition, he has also scored the crucial goal in five 1-0 wins – the most in the league. Carry on Kevin. That also fits in well with the Werkself scoring at least one goal in the last 17 games against VfB (in a total of 43). The Black and Reds have only scored more goals in the Bundesliga against Borussia Mönchengladbach (135) than they have against VfB (128). And another fact. The Werkself have converted at least one chance in all of the last 19 league games – that is by far the longest run.
The road to Stuttgart always represents a return the Bernd Leno: The Werkself number one, born in Bietigheim-Bissingen in Baden-Württemberg, played for VfB from 2003 to 2011 before joining Leverkusen. Since then he has played 213 league games for Bayer 04. And with all the runs mentioned, it is no surprise the 25 year-old also has a small one of his own: He has not been on the losing side in any of the last ten encounters with his former club (seven wins, three draws).
Another tip to finish with. As the match is a Friday game it is not available on Sky. Instead it is on the pay TV station Eurosport. Anybody who wants to watch the Werkself live can do so at the Schwadbud (BayArena, East entrance). The doors open at 19.30 CET. Alternatively, there will be comprehensive coverage at www.bayer04.de and on our social media channels .
Bayer 04 put their unbeaten record under Kasper Hjulmand on the line as they host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday (3.30pm CEST). However, the visitors have proven they can be dangerous on the break and clinical in front of goal. Today’s game also sees a voluntary survey on fan mobility and honours for fan clubs. Here’s all you need to know in our matchday news.
Show more
We are taking the Day of German Unity and the anniversary as an opportunity to tell a story that befits the subject - that of Falko Götz. The long-serving player, who currently works in scouting at Bayer 04, spoke to bayer04.de about his youth in the GDR, his escape during an away game in Belgrade and how he identifies with Bayer 04.
Show more
With seven points from five games, Union Berlin have made a decent start to the season. Particularly in the wins against VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, the Irons, who are otherwise known for their strong defence, impressively demonstrated they also have a lot to offer in attack. They will be looking to prove this once again at the BayArena on Saturday, 4 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST, match on Sky and highlights on DAZN). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The Champions League is followed by the Bundesliga: Just three days after the draw against PSV in the UCL (1-1), the Werkself welcome Union Berlin to the BayArena on Saturday, 4 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST./live on Sky). At the press conference on the Day of German Unity, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about his team's tough opponents, the development of the back three and the contract extension for Exequiel Palacios.
Show more
Derby time in the Rhineland! After a successful September, the Bayer 04 Women are away to FC Köln on Sunday, 4 October. In the Bundesliga match kicking off at 18:30 CEST at the Franz Kremer Stadium (live on MagentaSport and DAZN), coach Roberto Pätzold is counting on the return of a number of players who have been absent through injury.
Show more
