Schwaben Düsseldorf mission

With full knowledge that a win in Düsseldorf, could bring VfB into the heat of a European competition, Markus Babbel spoke briefly of their opposition, Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

"They are an attacking side, which could create space for us to operate in. Leverkusen are a very good team, that play quickly and effectively going forward. It will be important for us to remain compact and correctly approach every challenge."

VfB is without Timo Gebhart, Sebastian Rudy, Cacau, Georg Niedermeier and Yildiray Bastürk for the match and Matthieu Delpierre is doubtful. Leverkusen is nearly full fit with only new signing Toni Kroos absent.

In the opening match between the two, Leverkusen won 2-0, with VfB barely able to launch a noteworthy scoring chance. This match will come down to midfield play and to come out with three points, Markus Babbel's side will need to dictate the run of play - not an easy task against their midfield trio Renato Augusto, Arturo Vidal and Tranquillo Barnetta and find a way to free up Ciprian Marica and Mario Gómez in the attack.