Bayer Leverkusen vs Frankfurt: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :December 15, 2023 at 1:55 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:22 AM

Only Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen remain undefeated in the Bundesliga this term

Across the top five domestic leagues functioning in Europe, only Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated. Die Werkself currently lead the 2023-24 Bundesliga table with 36 points in 14 games. Second place Bayern Munich are 4 points behind with a game in hand. Leverkusen’s last night 5-1 win over Molde FK also means they are the only club in this season’s UEFA Europa League group stages to have won 6 out of 6 games.

Dino Toppmöller’s side lost their last night’s UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Aberdeen FC. Still, their 9 points gave them qualification to the next rounds from Group G. Eintracht Frankfurt‘s last Bundesliga game was against Bayern Munich. They produced a shocking 5-1 win over the Die Roten which also ensured only Leverkusen remained unbeaten. Now the question is – can the Eagles end Xabi Alonso and Co’s unbeaten run as well?

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 17 December 2023 at 4:30 PM UK (10:00 PM IST)

Location: BayArena

Form

Bayer Leverkusen (in all competitions): W-D-W-D-W

Frankfurt (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-L

Players to Watch

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Patrik Schick was given the start against Aberdeen. But Victor Boniface’s 8 goals in the Bundesliga make him untouchable in the Leverkusen starting XI for the league. The 22-year-old Nigerian centre-forward also has 6 assists to his name in the German league.

Hugo Larsson (Frankfurt)

At just 19 years of age, Hugo Larsson is proving himself at the big stage of German football. After moving from Swedish outfit Malmö FF in the summer, the central midfielder has made 12 league appearances making an assist and also scoring twice. Dino Toppmöller will count on him to start alongside 2014 FIFA World Cup final scorer Mario Götze.

Match Facts

Across the top five leagues in Europe, only Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated
After 14 Bundesliga matchdays, Leverkusen hold first place with 36 points while Frankfurt sit 7th with 21 points
The visitors have lost only 3 German first-tier games this season. They are among the six sides to have lost 3 or less after 14 league games

Injury & Team News

Xabi Alonso will be happy that his squad is not injury-riddled. The Leverkusen side only has one absentee which is due to a long-term injury. Right back Arthur will need a couple of months to be back.

Toppmöller however has quite a few players riddled with injuries. Ellyes Skhiri, Kristijan Jakic, Mehdi Loune, Sebastian Rode and Timothy Chandler are all sidelined. An ankle injury against Aberdeen will keep Eric Ebimbe out as well. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp was also taken off midway through the game. He remains doubtful for this game. Omar Marmoush who scored against Bayern is suspended for collecting fifth yellow of the season in that fixture.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 25

Bayer Leverkusen wins – 15

Frankfurt wins – 9

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineup

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup (3-4-2-1):

Hrádecký (GK); Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Wirtz; Boniface

Frankfurt predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Trapp (GK); Buta, Tuta, Koch, Pacho; Götze, Larsson; Knauff, Chaïbi, D. Ebimbe; Ngankam

Match Prediction for Bayer Leverkusen vs Frankfurt

Although Frankfurt may have hammered five goals past Bayern in their last Bundesliga game, it is hard to see them top Leverkusen at BayArena. Xabi Alonso’s men will want to get back to winning ways after their last 2 Bundesliga games ended in draws. This win will also make sure they remain unbeaten post-matchday 15.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Frankfurt

Telecast for Bayer Leverkusen vs Frankfurt

India – Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK – Sky Sports

US – ESPN+

Nigeria – StarTimes, Canal+

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