Match Previews

Bayer Leverkusen in stellar form in the Bundesliga.... 1 win and 1 defeat so far in the Uefa Cup.... near full squad available.... Vidal (r) (mid) out injured....  Bayer Leverkusen underlined their current strong form in the Bundesliga with a an impressive 3-0 away win at Hertha BSC last weekend. The team of coach Skibbe outplayed the hosts for the entire game and claimed their 4th win in a row in the league as they remain in 4th place in the Bundesliga. On Thursday a home game in the Uefa Cup awaits when Leverkusen host Czech side Sparta Prague. Leverkusen are currently ranking in 4th place place in group E as they sit 1 point behind Prague after a 1-0 win at home against Toulouse, but also a 2-1 defeat away at Spartak Moscow. This means that Leverkusen basically need a win against Prague if they want to keep their chances on qualification fully into their own hands. Early team news is positive as besides midfielder Schwegler, who remains out with a long-term injury, coach Skibbe has a full squad available. Skibbe looks to stick to his successful 4-2-3-1 playing system in which experienced Barbarez is in stellar form in midfield as he is scoring and assisting goals. Furthermore Freier is back from injury since weeks and has claimed a regular starting place with some fine displays. Experienced midfielders Ramelow and Schneider also made their comeback from injury against Hertha as Skibbe almost has a luxury problem with so much quality being available in midfield. Kiessling looks set to start in attack again which means that Gekas will have to settle for a role as pinch hitter on the bench for now. Latest team news indicates just 1 change to the team that won away at Hertha last week as Gresko, who has more attacking qualities than Sarpei and also is dangerous from set pieces, looks likely to start on the left-back position. Midfielder Vidal remains out with an ankle injury, but with Schneider starting from the bench, coach Skibbe has a luxury problem already in midfield at the moment.