Bayer Leverkusen - Monchengladbach preview - Plenty at stake for BayArena rivals

Two of the Bundesliga's heavyweights meet this Sunday with the shared aim of strengthening their claim for a place in the Champions League next season.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach are level on 23 points leading into this weekend's meeting at the BayArena - and both are regarded as serious candidates for a top three finish.

At the start of a week which sees both clubs involved in their final three Bundesliga matches of 2014, victory on Sunday would be a big step in the right direction.

"We've got nine points to play for in the next seven days and it's going to be an important week," said Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, whose side failed to clinch top spot in their Champions League group in midweek, but still made it through to the last 16.

"We want to go into the winter break with a good feeling, which is why we need to gather all of our strength for these games."

Gladbach were also involved in Europe this week, sealing their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with an impressive 3-0 win over Zurich.

Schmidt was at that game, although he did not learn more than what he already knew about the Foals.

"They're well organised opponents who have plenty of good footballers among their ranks," Schmidt said.

"I don't expect them to come out all guns blazing, but their biggest strength is in their counter-attacking play.

"They burst out like an explosion when they get possession and they're extremely good at that, so we've got to find a way of stifling their danger on the break."

Schmidt may be able to count on Lars Bender, after he recovered from a stomach muscle injury.

It will be a special game for Gladbach's Christoph Kramer, who is currently on loan at Gladbach from Leverkusen and will return to the Werkself next summer.

"I'm really looking forward to having him back here," said Schmidt. "He's a great footballer and I'd had my eyes on him in the past at my former clubs and wanted to sign him.

"He's become a top Bundesliga player and is not a Germany international by fluke."