Bundesliga Preview | Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich: B04 could close in on 4th with Bayern forced into several changes

Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich is the stand-out fixture on Saturday afternoon in the Bundesliga. Whilst Bayern can take another step towards the title, Leverkusen are presented with a massive chance to make up ground on 4th spot. Whilst Bayern hammered Atalanta 6-1 in midweek, Leverkusen showed their defensive resistance and earned a 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Another performance like that and the home side will feel they can get one over Vincent Kompany’s men this weekend. 

Bayer Leverkusen 

Kasper Hjulmand’s side were unfortuate not to come away with an impressive win against Arsenal during the Champions League on Wednesday – former B04 starlet, Kai Havertz, with a late penalty for the Gunners. 

However, there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Defensively, Leverkusen looked solid and were quick to transition in attack, using the pace of Ibrahim Maza, Christian Kofane, and Ernest Poku. What’s more, a central backline including Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, and Edmond Tapsoba worked well to keep things compact and limit Arsenal’s attacking threat – something they’ll have to replicate when coming up against Bayern this weekend. 

Following the result, Hjulmand proclaimed: “We played really well against a top opponent and didn’t give away too many chances.”

The game on Saturday has added incentives other than getting one over on Bayern. 

Currently in 6th spot, B04 have the chance to go within one point of 4th with a win. Stuttgart and Leipzig (4th and 5th respectively) play each other on matchday 26, and a draw would be a brilliant result for Leverkusen. With the game kicking off on Sunday, Leverkusen could go 4th for the time being with all three points on Saturday afternoon. 

Bayern Munich 

Bayern Munich pretty much guaranteed their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League midweek. Now their attention turns to the Bundesliga and going one step closer to the title, which they feel is now destined for Bavaria once again. 

A win keeps Bayern 11 points clear of Borussia Dortmund in second with eight games remaining. However, head coach Vincent Kompany understands that going to the BayArena will not be as easy as it was in Italy on Tuesday. 

“We’ll have to be aggressive if we’re going to get a result. Leverkusen have a lot of talent, they have a little less experience than in previous years. It’ll be a good game for the fans and hopefully for Bayern too.”

Bayern will also be forced into a couple of changes due to injuries picked up in the week. More on that in the section below. 

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen 

Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo is suspended for this one, meaning there could be another start for Ernest Poku, with Jonas Hofmann also coming into the starting eleven. Patrik Schick is available once again and could lead the line, replacing Kofane. However, the teenager was excellent in midweek and may feel he’s earned his chance. 

Bayern Munich 

Despite the victory in the Champions League, Bayern had injury concerns with Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Jonas Urbig. All three will miss Saturday’s game, meaning Sven Ulreich will start between the posts. Musiala could resume training next week, whilst Davies will be rested until after this month’s international break. Likewise, Manuel Neuer won’t be rushed back until after the break. Harry Kane has been training all week and will be assessed if he’s good to play against Leverkusen. If given the all clear, Kane will play a part in the match.