Leverkusen Aim To Extend Perfect Home Record Against Struggling Stuttgart

Bayer Leverkusen will look to maintain their perfect home record when they welcome VfB Stuttgart to the BayArena on Saturday at 15:30 CET, with Carles Martínez's side determined to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga.

Die Werkself enter the encounter following a remarkable 5-2 comeback victory over 1. FC Nürnberg in the DFB-Pokal, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure their place in the round of 16.

However, last weekend's 3-0 defeat against Hoffenheim ended Leverkusen's impressive winning streak and exposed defensive weaknesses that Martínez will be eager to address.

With Stuttgart struggling near the bottom of the Bundesliga table, Die Werkself have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Champions League places.

Leverkusen Looking To Protect Perfect Home Record

The BayArena has become a major source of strength for Martínez's team this season.

Leverkusen have won all five of their competitive home matches, with their attacking performances proving particularly difficult for opponents to contain.

Their latest home victory against Nürnberg demonstrated both their resilience and their ability to overwhelm opponents once they establish attacking momentum.

Edmond Tapsoba scored twice, while Patrik Schick, Jonas Hofmann and Lucas Vázquez completed the comeback.

Martínez believes the connection between his players and the supporters has been an important factor behind their impressive home form.

However, the coach also acknowledged the importance of recovery following a demanding schedule, with Leverkusen playing their third match in seven days.

Stuttgart Struggling Despite European Success

Stuttgart arrive in Leverkusen having endured a disappointing start to their Bundesliga campaign.

Sebastian Hoeneß's side have collected just six points from seven matches, leaving them 15th in the table after suffering five league defeats.

Their latest Bundesliga setback came against Borussia Mönchengladbach, who secured a 3-2 victory in Stuttgart last weekend.

The visitors also needed a late Deniz Undav winner to overcome ten-man Paderborn 1-0 in Wednesday's DFB-Pokal encounter.

Nevertheless, Stuttgart's domestic struggles contrast sharply with their performances in Europe, where they currently sit sixth in the Champions League standings.

Martínez has therefore warned against underestimating Saturday's opponents.

Die Werkself also have unfinished business against Stuttgart after losing both Bundesliga meetings last season, including a heavy 4-1 defeat at the BayArena in January.

Schick And Maza Expected To Return

Martínez is expected to make several changes following Wednesday's cup victory.

Mark Flekken should return in goal after Janis Blaswich started against Nürnberg, while Jarell Quansah is expected to rejoin the defence.

Further forward, Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza are both in contention to return to the starting eleven after beginning the cup encounter on the bench.

Schick's introduction against Nürnberg proved decisive, with the Czech striker converting the penalty that gave Leverkusen their first lead of the evening.

Maza, meanwhile, has established himself as an important creative presence, particularly when carrying possession through midfield and combining with teammates around the penalty area.

However, Jonas Hofmann has strengthened his own case for another start.

The experienced midfielder has scored three goals in his only two starts this season, including a brace against OFI Crete and another strike against Nürnberg.

His recent performances present Martínez with a genuine selection dilemma, particularly after Hofmann publicly admitted his frustration with his limited playing time.

Injuries Continue To Limit Martínez's Options

Leverkusen remain without several important players.

Loïc Badé is unavailable following the head injury he sustained against Hoffenheim, while Moussa Diaby, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane, Guéla Doué and Martin Terrier are also sidelined.

The absences have reduced Martínez's attacking options, increasing the importance of Schick, Maza, Malik Tillman and the other available forwards.

Stuttgart also have injury concerns, with Angelo Stiller, Josha Vagnoman and Dan-Axel Zagadou among their unavailable players.

Despite those difficulties, Die Werkself have reason to approach Saturday's encounter with confidence.

Their five consecutive home victories have demonstrated the team's attacking potential, while the Nürnberg comeback showed their ability to respond when matches turn against them.

The challenge now is to produce that same intensity from the opening whistle rather than allowing Stuttgart the opportunities that Nürnberg exploited during Wednesday's first half.

A victory would preserve Leverkusen's flawless BayArena record and provide an immediate Bundesliga response to the defeat in Hoffenheim.