One of the Bundesliga's in-form sides, Bayer Leverkusen visit a happy hunting ground on Sunday afternoon (kick-off: 15:30 CET/14:30 GMT) when Heiko Herrlich's free-scoring tyros roll into Hannover.
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After only one win in six games and off the back of Wednesday's 3-1 defeat at Hertha Berlin, Hannover coach Andre Breitenreiter would no doubt like to rotate his side, but injury problems limit his options. If the 44-year-old plumps for a more defensive approach against free-scoring Leverkusen, then Oliver Sorg could replace either Felix Klaus or Martin Harnik, but - given that Hannover have won four of seven home games this term - it is expected that Breitenreiter sticks with his attacking quartet.
For Leverkusen, unbeaten in 11 Bundesliga games, Charles Aranguiz is not expected to be rushed back from a muscle tear to feature in the last league game of the year, meaning Lars Bender will begin in central midfield. Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz are also expected to return, replacing Lucas Alario and Karim Bellarabi from the side that beat Werder Bremen 1-0, although the Argentinian forward's well-taken goal has given Heiko Herrlich a welcome selection dilemma.
Watch: Herrlich's tactical masterclass has Leverkusen purring in attack once again
Probable line-ups
Hannover: Tschauner (c) - Korb, Anton, Sane, Ostrzolek - Schwegler, Bakalorz - Klaus, Bebou, Harnik - Füllkrug
Absentees: Felipe (groin), Bech (knee), Prib (knee ligaments), Jonathas (thigh)
Coach: Andre Breitenreiter
Bayer Leverkusen: Leno - Tah, S. Bender, Retsos - Henrichs, L. Bender (c), Baumgartlinger, Bailey - Havertz, Volland, Brandt
Absentees: Wendell (suspended), Yurchenko (foot), Aranguiz (muscular)
Coach: Heiko Herrlich
Match stats
Leverkusen have won their last four Bundesliga games against Hannover.Indeed, Hannover have only taken one point from the last six meetings with Bayer.The 96ers have won five of 34 top-flight meetings with Die Werkself, only 15 per cent.Bayer concede on average less than a goal per game against Hannover (31 in 34 games).Six of those came on 26 March 1988, when Hannover romped to their biggest ever Bundesliga win (6-1).Of the sides' meetings in Hannover, more than half (nine of 17) have ended in draws.When coach of Paderborn and Schalke, Breitenreiter lost every Bundesliga home game against Leverkusen.Hannover midfielder Pirmin Schwegler made his first 46 Bundesliga appearances in Leverkusen colours between 2006 and 2009.Sven Bender made his Bundesliga debut in Hannover (19 September 2009) and has won eight of 11 Bundesliga games against the Lower Saxony side.
Source: bundesliga.com