Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Preview: Team News & Prediction
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On the backing of a Champions League mauling, Bayern Munich are hunting an eighth straight win away at Bayer Leverkusen.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Making up ground
Bayer Leverkusen have work to do if they are to break into the top four with them currently three points behind both Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. However, they are still very much in with a chance of progression to the Champions League quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Arsenal in their round of 16 first-leg at the BayArena.
It could’ve been ever better for Kasper Hjulmand’s side if not for Kai Havertz’s late equaliser. But with a second-leg in North London only a few days away, it’s crucial that Leverkusen put that in the back of their minds with the best team in the league coming to town.
Bayern Munich preview: Looking for eight
Bayern Munich can make it eight in a row across all competitions following a 1-6 thrashing of Atalanta in Bergamo midweek. Anyone who plays Bayern seem to be brushed aside presently as Vincent Kompany’s men not only continue their march to the Bundesliga title but also strive for European glory.
The Rekordmeister should see this as one of their biggest challenges remaining, but no team can cope with this Bayern side when at their best offensively. They’ve scored at least three times in each of their last five.
Bayer Leverkusen team news: Grimaldo a big loss
Alejandro Grimaldo’s suspension is a huge blow for the home side and more than one change could be on the horizon here with such a big Champions League match on the horizon this coming Tuesday.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Oermann, Fernandez, Garcia, Poku; Hofmann, Kofane, Tillman
Unavailable: Arthur (Injured), Bade (Injured), Ben Seghir (Injured), Grimaldo (Suspended), Vazquez (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayern Munich team news: Kane expected to return
Bayern Munich should welcome Harry Kane back to the starting line-up but have lost both Musiala and Davies to injury. They also face a problem in goal, with third-choice keeper Sven Ulreich likely to start with Neuer and Urbig absent.
Predicted XI: (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Laimer, Tah, Kim, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Unavailable: Davies (Injured), Ito (Injured), Musiala (Injured), Neuer (Injured), Urbig (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich prediction
Bayern Munich’s first-leg demolition of Atalanta allows Vincent Kompany to go as strong as he wishes for this Bundesliga fixture, knowing he can afford to rest key players in the return leg. For Bayer Leverkusen though, the schedule has not been kind to them and after such a big effort against Arsenal, to face the runaway league leaders such a few days later is not ideal.
Kane’s return is a big factor for Bayern and adds another layer of quality to their squad despite the loss of a couple of names through injury. Leverkusen will likely struggle to match them down the stretch of this game and with such a formidable attack, back the visitors to pick up yet another three points.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich tip: Bayern Munich to win
