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

Published at :February 8, 2024 at 3:52 PM

Modified at :February 8, 2024 at 3:52 PM

The Bavarian giants have the chance to go to the top of the league

The Bundesliga is set for an exciting showdown between two leading title contenders. Bayer Leverkusen have had an exceptional season, remaining unbeaten in all 29 of their matches across various competitions. Xabi Alonso’s team has garnered praise for their playing style, characterized by prolific goal-scoring, their adeptness at dominating possession has also been a key factor in limiting their opponents’ opportunities this season.

As we enter the concluding months of the season, Bayern Munich continues to closely trail their rivals. The team has faced mounting pressure amid whispers of uncertainty surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s future. Despite the ongoing speculation, Munich have the opportunity to take control of the title race in the upcoming fixture, and their attacking effectiveness appears ready for the challenge. Notably, they have managed to find the back of the net in all nine of their Bundesliga away matches this season.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 10 February 2024 at 8:30 PM GST (10:00 PM IST)

Location: BayArena

Form

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

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

Players to Watch

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xabi Alonso will heavily depend on the 20-year-old German in this game. Wirtz operates mainly as an attacking midfielder but showcases versatility by effectively taking up the left-wing role as an inverted winger. He possesses a distinctive offensive mindset and functions as a highly dynamic midfielder, covering extensive ground on the field. Widely recognized as one of the most promising young talents globally, he has netted five goals in the current Bundesliga season.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane has established himself as a standout performer for Bayern Munich, playing a crucial role in their achievements. Having scored an impressive 24 goals in only 20 games, he presently tops the league charts in terms of scoring. Bayern Munich encountered difficulties in the previous season, particularly in adapting to Tuchel’s system and lacking a commanding presence. He exhibits nearly flawless technique when striking the ball, cleanly hitting through it with proficiency using both feet, frequently locating the corners of the net.

Match Facts

Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in two consecutive Bundesliga games against Bayern Munich.
Bayer Munich have secured 50 points after 20 games, second most in the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen are only the fourth team in Bundesliga history not to lose any of their first 20 games of the season – previously Bayern Munich did so in 1988-89.

Injury & Team News

Bayer Leverkusen players unavailable due to injuries are Arthur (thigh), Boniface (groin), and Kossounou (on international duty). Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding Palacios (thigh) as he is considered doubtful for the upcoming events.

Bayern Munich players currently dealing with injuries include Buchmann (thigh), Coman (knee), Davies (knee), Gnabry (thigh), Laimer (calf), Peretz (knee), and Sarr (knee). There are doubts surrounding Kim, Kimmich (shoulder), Upamecano (hamstring), and Zaragoza (due to illness).

Head to Head

Total Matches – 98

Bayer Leverkusen wins – 20

Bayern Munich wins – 60

Draws – 18

Predicted Lineup for Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup

Hradecky, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Wirtz; Iglesias

Bayern Munich predicted lineup

Neuer; Mazraoui, Dier, De Ligt, Guerreiro; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane

Match Prediction for Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

The upcoming match is anticipated to be closely contested, with victory expected to require considerable effort. Despite Bayern holding a superior historical record in this fixture, their current injury concerns, coupled with the strong performance of Alonso’s Leverkusen, suggest that the outcome may lean towards a hard-fought victory for Leverkusen or potentially end in a draw. The balance of the game appears to be influenced by Bayern’s injury challenges and Leverkusen’s recent dominance under Alonso’s management.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Bayern Munich

Telecast

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: Sky Sports

USA: ESPN

Nigeria: SportyTV

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