Jupp Heynckes back at home

Jupp Heynckes back at home

Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes hopes his side can celebrate their return to the BayArena with victory against Hoffenheim.

Leverkusen were forced to play seven matches in the Dusseldorfer Arena while their stadium was being redeveloped earlier this year, managing just one victory.

And Heynckes hopes they will fare better at their true home.

"I hope that Hoffenheim don't spoil our premiere in this staium," he said on the club's website.

"They showed against Bayern Munich that they are in good form and we will have to be at our best."

The capacity has been increased to over 30,000 at the BayArena and Heynckes is expecting a club-record crowd on Saturday.

"This is something I dreamt about during my playing career," he added.

"For the players, it is important that they have a home stadium again. To play in such a pretty stadium will motivate the players."

Simon Rolfes should come into the starting XI instead of Stefan Reinartz after impressing in training this week, while Gonzalo Castro is an option to replace Daniel Schwaab.

Hoffenheim will be looking for their first points against Leverkusen after being thrashed twice last season, 5-2 away and 4-1 at home.

"It is not going to be easy, but we want to bring something substantial back with us," said their coach Ralf Rangnick.

"We know that we are coming up against a tough opponent, but we still want to win."

Matthias Jaissle and Tobias Weis are both ruled out due to injury, but Demba Ba is back in the squad.