The hosts are one of four teams in the hunt for two UEFA Cup spots, while Thomas Schaaf's Bremen will be looking to hold onto second place in the league and a place in next season's Champions League group stage.

"We will not hide ourselves," Leverkusen coach Michael Skibbe said.

"We want to defend the fourth place and qualify for the UEFA Cup. Together with our fans we will give it all we can."

Leverkusen head a throng of four teams tied on 51 points, with just fourth and fifth place giving a a guaranteed shot at the UEFA Cup next season,.

Bayer boast the best goal difference of the jockeying quartet, and Skibbe hopes his players can carry over the confidence from last weekend's 2-1 victory at Hansa Rostock.

"We want to continue where we left off, playing highly-concentrated and brave football," he added.

"We hope to get the fans behind us."

Depending on how the game goes, long-time club captain Carsten Ramelow could make a farewell appearance before hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

Stefan Kiessling (suspended), Lukas Sinkiewicz (knee), Bernd Schneider (back) and Karim Haggui (groin) are missing for the hosts.

Schaaf, meanwhile, has said his Bremen side will be going for the win as they bid to stay ahead of Schalke, who are just two points behind and desperate for an automatic ticket to the Champions League.

"Even though a draw would be enough, that is not our ambition," Schaaf admitted.

"We want to play attractively and successfully.

"We want to accomplish our goal of finishing second and assuring direct Champions League qualification.

"But Leverkusen have high goals, too, and will be very determined."

Tim Wiese (knee), Jurica Vranjes (suspended) and Daniel Jensen (thigh) are sidelined for Bremen.