Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt on and what time does it start? Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt will take place on Saturday 2nd September, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt
Where can I stream Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen vs Darmstadt can be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Bayer Leverkusen backed up their three points over RB Leipzig with another statement result last weekend, going to Borussia Monchengladbach and winning 0-3. After recruiting extremely well in the summer, they are reaping the rewards with only goal difference separating them from the top of the table.
It was an outstanding performance from Xabi Alonso’s side, particularly from an offensive standpoint as they recorded a whopping 24 shots, 11 of those being on target. It’s also notable that they contain goals throughout their team, with centre-back Jonathan Tah netting for a second consecutive fixture.
DARMSTADT
Darmstadt will have been so disappointed at how they collapsed at home to Union Berlin last time out with the scores level and the visitors having been reduced to ten men after just 21 minutes. At that stage, you’d have expected the home side to kick on, but a double strike from Union left Darmstadt 1-3 down in the first half.
Whilst the hosts pushed bodies forward in the second period, their opponents were able to dig in and soak up pressure and to add insult to injury, Union showed their class, adding a fourth goal in the 65th minute.
THE TEAM NEWS
BAYER LEVERKUSEN
With no fresh injuries to his favoured starting XI, it’s highly unlikely that Xabi Alonso will tinker with the side which has recorded two wins from two so far this season, scoring three times on each occasion. Striker Victor Boniface will be looking to back up his brace from last weekend, whilst new loan signing Josip Stanisic will likely have to settle for a place on the bench once again.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Boniface, Wirtz
UNAVAILABLE: Hincapie (Injured), Fosu-Mensah (Injured), Schick (Injured), Adli (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
DARMSTADT
After being left out of the side that started against Union Berlin, Scottish striker Fraser Hornby misses out all-together here due to a groin injury, whilst both Honsak and Karic are doubts. Braydon Manu is expected to get the nod again up top alongside Luca Pfeiffer.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Schuhen; Klarer, Zimmermann, Maglica; Karic, Mehlem, Holland, Nurnberger; Honsak; Manu, Pfeiffer
UNAVAILABLE: Hornby (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Honsak (muscular), Karic (knee)
THE PREDICTION
No one will envy facing Bayer Leverkusen at present when taking into account their current form. Scoring goals fun and creating opportunities aplenty, this could prove a long afternoon for Darmstadt. The newly-promoted side to their credit applied themselves extremely well defensively in their first Bundesliga fixture, but Leverkusen pose as stern a challenge as Union Berlin did last weekend. Eventually, the class of this Leverkusen frontline should ensure that they break the visiting resistance and ultimately secure victory for the hosts.
TIP: BAYER LEVERKUSEN TO WIN
