Ace Football previews the Bundesliga match between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
First meets second as Bayer Leverkusen welcome reigning champions Bayern Munich to the BayArena for a top of the table clash on Saturday evening.
Leverkusen hold a narrow one-point lead over Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga standings. A slip-up for either side could see them fall behind third-placed RB Leipzig, who welcome FC Koln in the afternoon, for the winter break.
Bayern won their last two meetings over Leverkusen at the BayArena by a 4-2 scoreline in the DFB-Pokal in July and the Bundesliga in June.
But with so much at stake for both sides, along with Leverkusen’s brilliant form this term, the visitors may have their work cut out in what could be an entertaining encounter.
Bayer Leverkusen Form & Stats
A 4-0 hammering of FC Koln in last Wednesday’s Rhine Derby extended Leverkusen’s incredible run to 13 wins in their last 15 games in all competitions (D1 L1).
Peter Bosz’s side are also unbeaten in the Bundesliga (P12 W8 D4) and sit top of the standings. Of course, it’s a little early yet to delve too deep into title talk – but it’s still an impressive start by all means.
Missing out on a Champions League spot by a mere two points last season fueled them for this term. Kai Havertz may be no more either, but that’s allowed 17-year-old Florian Wirtz to step up to the mantle in the now-Chelsea player’s absence.
Leverkusen have looked like a top side all season, and their title credentials will now be put to their biggest test so far in Bayern Munich.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their 12 league games this season (W8 D4).
- Over 2.5 goals in each of their last 5 games.
- First-half goal scored in each of their last 5 games.
- BTTS & over 3.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 games against Bayern Munich in all competitions.
- Over 3.5 goals in 8 of their last 11 games in all competitions.
Bayern Munich Form & Stats
Hansi Flick may have been disappointed to miss out on FIFA’s best coach award, but he would’ve been pleased to end Wolfsburg’s unbeaten record this season last Wednesday through a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
It was only Bayern’s second win in their last five league games (D3) and they’ll hope to repeat the feat against the similarly unbeaten Leverkusen on Saturday. Doing so will move them back on top of the standings for the winter break.
Flick also refused to rule out Joshua Kimmich making a welcome return from injury in his pre-match conference. The German is reportedly in the matchday squad according to Sky, which would be a real boost for the reigning champions.
All eyes, though, will be on the newly crowned FIFA Best Player of the Year Robert Lewandowski. The Pole has continued his outstanding form this season, scoring 15 goals in only 11 league games for Bayern, and could prove the difference in another potential goal-laden encounter with Leverkusen.
Although the Bavarians’ defensive record could be a cause for concern. They’ve conceded the first goal in their last six league games and have kept just two clean sheets all season.
Key Team Stats
- At least 1 first-half goal scored in all their league games this season.
- BTTS in their last 8 away games in all competitions.
- Conceded the first goal in their last 6 league games.
- Scored in both halves in 50% of their 6 away league games this season.
- Over 3.5 goals in 5 of their last 7 away league games.
- Robert Lewandowski has scored 15 goals in 11 league games this season.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen: Exequiel Palacios, Paulinho, Charles Aranguiz, Santiago Arias, Sven & Lars Bender (out).
Kerem Demirbay, Lucas Alario (doubts).
Bayern Munich: Tanguy Nianzou, Javi Martinez (out).
Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka (doubts).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Bundesliga.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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