Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tips (9 May)

VfB Stuttgart’s home date with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on 9 May 2026 arrives with the feel of a season-defining clash. Stuttgart have spent much of the campaign in the Champions League spots under Sebastian Hoeneß, only to wobble recently and slip back into the pack. Their last weeks have been a mixed bag: a 4–2 defeat away to Bayern Munich, a commanding 4–0 home win over Hamburg, and a narrow 2–1 DFB-Pokal victory against Freiburg all underline how volatile their performances can be. Yet the atmosphere at the MHPArena, and the sense that a top-four finish is still within reach, should sharpen every tackle and run.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, travel south with renewed confidence after a spring surge that has dragged them back into European contention. Under Kasper Hjulmand they have taken three wins from their last four league outings, including a gritty 1–0 success away at Borussia Dortmund and a 2–1 derby win over Cologne. The standout moment came in the 4–1 home victory against RB Leipzig, where Patrik Schick hit a superb hat-trick to move onto double figures in the league. That result, coupled with their attacking output in recent weeks, has re-established Leverkusen as one of the most dangerous counter-punching sides in Germany.

Recent news around both squads adds extra texture to this meeting. Stuttgart’s camp has been talking about turning narrow setbacks into fuel, with Hoeneß highlighting the late fightback in Hoffenheim and the resilience shown in the cup as proof his side still believe. Leverkusen’s narrative has focused on Hjulmand’s steadying influence after a rocky start to the season, plus the importance of managing injuries to key players in defence. With Stuttgart sitting fourth and Leverkusen just behind them in sixth, separated by only a couple of points and goal difference, the stakes are obvious: the winner takes a huge step toward Champions League football, while the loser risks being dragged into a frantic final-day scramble.

All of that context feeds into a match that promises both tactical intrigue and emotional swings. Stuttgart’s strong home defensive record this season contrasts sharply with Leverkusen’s open, high-scoring away games, where their attacking flair is often undermined by lapses at the back. If the hosts can harness the energy of the MHPArena and press intelligently, they should find spaces behind Leverkusen’s adventurous full-backs. At the same time, Schick and his supporting cast will always threaten in transition. Balancing those forces, and weighing Stuttgart’s home solidity against Leverkusen’s away fragility, leads to a bold but reasoned call: a 3–1 correct score in favour of Stuttgart.

• Summary: VfB Stuttgart played against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 1 matches this season. Currently, VfB Stuttgart rank 5th, while Bayer 04 Leverkusen hold 4th position. Looking to compare the best-rated player on both teams? Sofascore's rating system assigns each player a specific rating based on numerous data factors.
• Referee: Robert Schröder
• Stuttgart Feedinco Rating: 6.93
• Bayer Leverkusen Feedinco Rating: 6.95