For Bayer Leverkusen fans, the Bundesliga league table makes for pleasant viewing - even at this early stage of the season. Roger Schmidt's men have made an impressive start to the campaign, and currently sit in fourth place, just five points off league leaders Bayern Munich. They have, however, drawn their last two Bundesliga games, and will be looking for three points against a struggling VfB Stuttgart side when they visit the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
"Bayer's game is based on taking big risks, not the best tactic for us"
- Armin Veh
Armin Veh, Stuttgart's manager, knows how much of a challenge it will be to host such a costless-flowing, attacking side, and has even spoken of how envious he is of his opposite number's 'attack first, ask questions-later' philosophy: "Bayer's game is based on taking big risks and that is something that I like,'' said Veh. "Right now, this would not be the best tactic for us to employ, though.'' Instead, Veh is focusing on the defensive frailties that have seen his side slip to four defeats from their first seven games. Veh is right to be cautious, but with his side languishing in sixteenth place having scored just six goals, perhaps the Stuttgart boss should his instruct his players to attack more in order to change their fortunes.
Bayer will go into the game with their same attacking prowess and confidence in their ability to find the net. The manager knows, however, that it will not be a stroll in the park: "I expect it to be a physical battle,'' Schmidt said. "Stuttgart don't have many points yet so they are bound to give it everything on Saturday to keep the points in Stuttgart. But we're in good shape so I'm pretty optimistic.'' For Bayer fans, Schmidt's confidence will fill them with hope ahead of the visit to Stuttgart on Saturday afternoon, but they will know that complacency will see them unstuck in a Bundesliga season that has already seen its fair share of surprises.
For Veh and his Stuttgart side, it is far from good news after the international break. Midfielder Moritz Leitner returned to Stuttgart from Germany U-21 duty with an ankle complaint and is a doubt for the squad, while Filip Kostic may miss out through illness. Veh, however, will have youngster Antonio Rudiger, who featured for Germany during the break - and he will revert back to his usual role in central defence.
Schmidt will be relieved to have almost a full squad available for selection, after no fresh injuries were reported during the international break. The only selection problems the Bayer coach has is that Simon Rolfes, despite having been back training with the rest of the side, will not be fit enough to feature against Stuttgart. enough for this match. Gonzalo Castro is also a doubt with a muscle injury, but will essentially be at full fitness.