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

The only two sides with maximum points set to collide as Bundesliga returns

The German league was paused briefly due to the September International break comprising the Euro 2024 Qualifiers and other friendlies. And now is set to resume with a big battle between sides such as Thomas Tuchel's FC Bayern Munich and Xabi Alonso's Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Both teams have had a very good start to this season's Bundesliga. And are the only two sides with all wins with three matchdays behind us.

Bayern will be hosting the event in their own backyard, the Allianz Arena. And so far have beaten the likes of Werder Bremen, Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Die Roten will be looking to get on top of the table as currently, Leverkusen are league leaders due to better goal difference. Also as they have a UEFA Champions League game to host against Manchester United, a good result will be sought.

On the other hand, we have a Bayer 04 Leverkusen side finally moving in full gear under Xabi Alonso. They have found new light and direction in their squad. The results speak for themselves. Three Bundesliga games, three wins and top of the table. Alonso and Co will be looking to keep their momentum going as they know an away game at Allianz Arena is not so easy.

Kick-Off:

Friday, 15 September at 8:30 PM CEST

Saturday, 16 September at 12:00 AM IST

Location: Allianz Arena

Form

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

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

Players to watch

Harry Kane (Bayern)

After a close £100 million mark including add-ons was agreed upon with Tottenham Hotspurs, Bayern were finally able to get their man in the summer transfer window. In the Bundesliga, Harry Kane is scoring a goal every 88 minutes on average. And given that a big battle is set to take place on Friday night, the 30-year-old striker will be eager to give Bayern the edge over Alonso's Leverkusen.

Victor Boniface (Leverkusen)

The 22-year-old has settled with ease in Germany after joining Leverkusen this August. Victor Boniface was able to score on his debut for his side in the DFB Pokal against Teutonia Ottensen. In the Bundesliga, the Nigerian striker started off with an assist in matchday 1 of the 2023-24 season. But in the last two games was even seen scoring a brace each. Bayern defenders will be wary of the force Boniface is.

Match facts

• Leverkusen have kept the same starting lineup in all three of their Bundesliga games
• The away side are also seeking a straight eighth win. Alonso's man have won all of their last seven games in all competitions
• Both Bayern and Leverkusen are the only two sides remaining with a complete win record in the Bundesliga. Three wins in three games each

Injury & team news

Bayern will still find themselves without main goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. He had to get a second surgery for his leg some time back and now is training under supervision. Also, former Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphaël Guerreiro has some fitness concerns due to some calf issue. Additionally, Tarek Buchmann and Jamal Musiala are doubtful.

Leverkusen will have right back Arthur out with a thigh issue. And striker Patrik Schick remains sidelined due to a recurring groin problem. The striker dilemma shouldn't be an issue for Xabi Alonso as Victor Boniface is firing on all cylinders. Former Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is doubtful to start with a knee concern.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 97

Bayern wins – 60

Leverkusen wins – 20

Draws – 17

Predicted Lineup

Bayern Munich predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ulreich (GK); Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sane, Müller (C), Coman; Kane

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

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

Match Prediction for Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

This game will be a spectacular event since both sides have a 100 per cent win record in this season's Bundesliga campaign. And now it will be on the line, as a football game can't have two winners unless both settle for a draw. Bayern Munich will have their home crowd packed behind on Friday night. In their last meeting, we have seen Leverkusen get the better of Bayern at BayArena.

A win this time around will give Leverkusen top-notch confidence for their season going forward which is already quite brilliant. The game will be a close battle. If a Musiala-less Bayern and Kane can be kept quiet, we can expect the away side spearheaded by Boniface to take back all three points as well.

Prediction: Bayern 1-2 Leverkusen

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network

UK – Sky Sports

US –  ESPN+

Nigeria – StarTimes, Canal+