VfB did the double over Bayer 04 Leverkusen last season, having previously gone 15 competitive meetings without a win against the Werkself. The last and only time the Cannstatt club recorded three consecutive victories against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga was between 1982 and 1983.
Dream start: Martinez feeling at home
Bayer 04 have won all three home league games under new coach Carles Martínez. The last Leverkusen boss to win his first four Bundesliga home matches was Sami Hyypiä at the start of the 2013/14 campaign. Moreover, the Black-and-Reds have scored in each of their last 22 league outings at the BayArena, the longest run since April 2012 to November 2013 (28 games).
Goalscorer: Demirovic leading the way for VfB
Ermedin Demirovic has netted seven goals in 12 games in all competitions this season: four in the UEFA Champions League plus three in the Bundesliga. The 28-year-old is therefore VfB’s top scorer in both competitions, and is even in joint first place in the Champions League goalscoring chart.
Team news: No Vagnoman, Stiller or Sauer in Leverkusen
For his team’s seventh competitive fixture in three weeks, the VfB boss must do without Josha Vagnoman (thigh), Angelo Stiller (adductor) and Leo Sauer (gluteal muscle).
Attendance: Away tickets sold out
VfB will be cheered on by approximately 3,050 fans at the BayArena.
