Stuttgart to Host Bayer Leverkusen in Crucial Bundesliga Clash on Sunday

STUTTGART, Germany — VfB Stuttgart will face Bayer Leverkusen in a pivotal Bundesliga match on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. UK time at the MHPArena. This clash holds significant implications for both teams and their aspirations for European competition next season.

Currently positioned eighth in the league standings with 37 points, Stuttgart aims to narrow the five-point gap separating them from fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, the defending champions Leverkusen sit second, trailing Bayern Munich by eight points with 53 points to their name.

The stakes are high for Stuttgart, who come into the match winless in their last four outings, including two defeats. In their recent game against Bayern Munich, they suffered a 3-1 loss. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness will be keen to see his side improve after a shaky period that has left them without a clean sheet in their past seven Bundesliga matches.

In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen’s form has also been concerning. They suffered a heavy 5-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern midweek in the UEFA Champions League, resulting in three consecutive losses across all competitions. Xabi Alonso‘s squad faces challenges, particularly in the attacking third, having failed to score in their last three matches, raising concerns among their fanbase.

Stuttgart has struggled to secure victories at home, managing only two wins out of their last six home Bundesliga matches. They will be lacking key defender Leonidas Stergiou, who is suspended, while others remain injured.

Despite Stuttgart’s formidable track record against Leverkusen, having defeated them only once in their last 28 encounters, they hold some hope based on their earlier performance this season; they managed a goalless draw on November 1.

Looking at possible lineups, Stuttgart may field a 4-2-2 formation with Alexander Nübel in goal, supported by Vagnoman, Al-Dakhil, Chabot, and Mittelstädt in defense. Angelo Stiller will likely step into midfield alongside Karoza, while strikers Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic will spearhead the attack.

On the visiting side, Leverkusen is expected to enter the match with a 3-4-3 setup, featuring Lukas Hrádecký as the goalkeeper, supported by a trio of defenders including Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié. Their midfield will be anchored by Granit Xhaka and Jeremie Frimpong, while attack duties fall to the likes of Patrik Schick and Amine Adli.

As both teams prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive fixture, the outcome could have significant consequences for their respective aspirations in the Bundesliga.