Bayer Leverkusen vs Heidenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Bayer Leverkusen can make it five wins from their last six in the Bundesliga here at home to Heidenheim, who sit bottom of the table.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN+
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Bayern setback
Bayer Leverkusen have left under no illusions as to how far ahead of them Bayern Munich are this past weekend, after Vincent Kompany’s side blew them away with three first half goals despite resting the likes of Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Whilst Leverkusen stemmed the bleeding in the second half, the damage had been done.
However, Leverkusen responded in the best possible way, going to Portuguese giants Benfica in the Champions League and winning despite an avalanche of pressure from the hosts. The Germans rode the storm though and grabbed a smash and grab winner mid-way through the second half.
Heidenheim preview: Point not enough to move up
Heidenheim can count themselves unlucky to be bottom of the table after gaining a more than respectable 1-1 draw last time out against Eintracht Frankfurt. They took the lead in the first-half before Frankfurt responded after the break to level things up and that was how it stayed.
The result saw Heidenheim sent down to the foot of the Bundesliga due to Borussia Monchengladbach’s win on the same round of fixtures. As unfortunate as that is, only two points separate Heidenheim from safety.
Bayer Leverkusen team news: Schick to start
It would be no surprise to see Patrik Schick back in the starting line-up after coming off the bench to score against Benfica. Palacios, Tella and Lucas Vazquez all remain out for the hosts.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Schick, Maza
Unavailable: Fernandez (Injured), Palacios (Injured), Tape (Injured), Tella (Injured), Vazquez (Injured)
Questionable:
Heidenheim team news: Four injured
Heidenheim could opt for two up front in a convention 4-4-2 formation. However, they are without four players, with the likes of Sirlord Conteh and goalkeeper Frank Feller still out injured.
Predicted XI: (4-4-2): Ramaj; Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Fohrenbach; Ibrahimovic, Niehues, Schoppner, Honsak; Schimmer, Zivzivadze
Unavailable: Conteh (Injured), Feller (Injured), Kaufmann (Injured), Paqarada (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen vs Heidenheim prediction
To go away and win in Lisbon midweek will have given Bayer Leverkusen a huge injection of confidence and belief that they are still very much moving in the right direction despite that heavy Bayern Munich defeat. This is the sort of fixture though, where they simply cannot afford to drop points.
Leverkusen should dominate and create opportunities which they cannot afford to waste. With Schick back in the fold that gives them a massive boost offensive and the hosts will be expected to win this game by at least two clear goals when considering Heidenheim’s struggles.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Heidenheim tip: Bayer Leverkusen to win with -1 handicap