Bayer Leverkusen make the trip to the VELTINS-Arena on Sunday afternoon looking for a victory which will boost their chances of achieving Champions League football for next season.

Meanwhile, Schalke 04, having ended their run of defeats last weekend, know that an end-of-season push is required to finish in the top half of the Bundesliga standings.

Match preview

Despite progressing through to the German Cup final in midweek, Bayer Leverkusen have been left with work to do in order to claim a top-four spot in the Bundesliga.

Although succumbing to Bayern Munich was expected by most, Peter Bosz knows that his side are now under pressure to avoid a third defeat in four league matches.

However, aware that nearest rivals Borussia Monchengladbach face Bayern on Saturday, there will be a feeling that beating Schalke could put the club within touching distance of Champions League football.

Having missed the setback against the league leaders, Kai Havertz will be motivated to get back on the goal trail having netted five times since the resumption of the division.

Bosz and his players will also have their sights set on a sixth successive away win in all competitions, a run stretching back to March 1.

From Schalke's perspective, there would have been relief within their ranks after claiming a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Union Berlin last weekend.

David Wagner remains under severe pressure to keep his job in the dugout, but earning a share of the spoils in Germany's capital represented Schalke's first point since before the coronavirus pandemic.

With survival in the top flight effectively guaranteed, Wagner and his players can play with a sense of freedom on Sunday as they look to improve on 10th position.

That said, at a time when 12 goals have been conceded in six matches, Wagner knows that another heavy defeat may lead to the club's hierarchy opting for a managerial change ahead of next season.

Schalke 04 Bundesliga form: DLLLLD

Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga form: WWWLWL
Bayer Leverkusen form (all competitions): WWLWLW

Team News

Wagner is able to welcome back Weston McKennie after the midfielder missed the trip to Berlin through suspension.

However, Schalke will be without Guido Burgstaller, Amine Harit, Suat Serdar and Omar Mascarell, all through injury.

Benito Raman is expected to lead the line after overcoming a muscle issue which led to his substitution last weekend.

As well as having Havertz back in contention, Bosz may be ready to hand Kevin Volland his first start since overcoming a knee injury.

Jonathan Tah will be assessed nearer to kickoff after suffering with a back problem, while Paulinho is pushing for a recall after setting up Leverkusen's second goal against Bayern.

Schalke 04 possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Sane, Kabak, Todibo; Kenny, McKennie, Schopf, Oczipka; Caligiuri, Matondo; Raman

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Weiser; Tapsoba, Bender, Sinkgraven; Aranguiz, Baumgartlinger; Havertz, Diaby, Amiri; Alario

We say: Schalke 04 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Aware that they can ill-afford many more dropped points, we expect Leverkusen to attack Schalke from the off on Sunday. Should they succeed in finding an early goal, the visitors may enjoy a comfortable afternoon.