Two of the teams of the season in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart, go head-to-head at the BayArena in the quarter-final of the DFB Pokal.
Bayer Leverkusen maintained strong form last time outXabi Alonso’s team strengthened their title bid with a 2-0 win over Darmstadt last time out.
Although Die Werkself is renowned for their superb attacking play under their highly-rated boss, it’s in defence where Bayer has shone recently, as, despite the absence of key defenders, they have kept clean sheets in five of their previous six competitive games.
As you would expect from a team enjoying a sensational season, Bayer Leverkusen has a strong DFB Pokal record.
The Bundesliga leaders have beaten Teutonia Ottensen, Sandhausen and Paderborn while scoring at least two goals in each victory.
All their cup games this season have been on their travels. However, Bayer has also won five of their last seven home games in the competition.
Stuttgart have recorded back-to-backDie Roten made it two straight wins last time out, as they recorded a 3-1 win at Freiburg. The result means that Sebastian Hoeness’ team scored eight goals in their previous two outings.
Their recent matches have certainly not been lacking in the goals department, as over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of their last six competitive matches.
Stuttgart has had a smooth journey to the last eight of the DFB Pokal, beating Balingen, Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund without conceding a goal.They have also won seven of their previous games in the German Cup dating back to last season while keeping six clean sheets in the process.
What am I backing?This has the potential to be a classic DFB Pokal encounter. This should be an entertaining clash. I don’t think there will be much in this game, but I am backing Bayer Leverkusen to record a narrow victory.