Bayer vs Stuttgart prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 10 January 2026
One of the matches of the 16th round of the German championship will take place on Saturday at the BayArena in Leverkusen, where the local Bayer will host Stuttgart. I'm offering a bet on the outcome of this clash with promising odds for success.
Match preview
Bayer went into the winter break in fine form—Julmann's team secured crucial victories over Leipzig and Cologne, with their only December defeat coming away at Augsburg. The Leverkusen side have been consistent, especially at home, and are aiming not only to maintain a top-three spot but also to close the gap to the leaders, making this encounter with Stuttgart particularly significant.
Bayer's squad situation is far from ideal—a number of players have left for the Africa Cup of Nations, including key attackers, which limits their options up front. However, the return of Tapsoba strengthens the defense, and the team overall is accustomed to dealing with absences. Given their strong record in January openers and the home advantage, the hosts have every reason to expect their successful run to continue.
Stuttgart have maintained their reputation as a team that avoids prolonged slumps, losing just once in December—and it’s hardly a surprise that was against Bayern. Hoeneß's men remain highly competitive, firmly in the European spots, and continue to play with high intensity despite a packed schedule and personnel challenges.
Despite their stability, Stuttgart are again missing several players across all lines, including their key creative midfielder Bilal El Khannouss. This could affect their attacking variety and quality. Moreover, Sebastian Hoeneß has yet to crack the Bayer code: in 11 head-to-head meetings, he hasn’t registered a single win, and the psychological weight of that negative record could influence the outcome.
Probable lineups
- Bayer: Flekken, Beloosyan, Andrich, Quansah, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Arthur, Tella, Tillman, Schick
- Stuttgart: Nübel, Assignon, Chabot, Hendriks, Mittelstädt, Nartey, Stiller, Karazor, Leweling, Undav, Führich
Match facts and head-to-head
- Bayer have beaten Stuttgart in six of their last nine matches in Leverkusen.
- Over three goals were scored in five of the last seven head-to-heads at the BayArena.
- Sebastian Hoeneß has never won against Bayer in 11 meetings.
Prediction
Bayer look better prepared for the season restart, despite some losses in attack. Home support and a strong record in January openers should play a decisive role. Stuttgart are capable of putting up a fight, but the absence of several key players and Hoeneß's poor personal record against Bayer tip the scales in favor of the home side.
