Bayern Munich are once again in sole possession of first place in the Bundesliga. On Sunday, Die Roten will visit rival club, Bayer Leverkusen, at the BayArena, as they seek a fourth straight Bundesliga win.
Bayer Leverkusen are coming off a Thursday night Europa League 2-0 win in Hungary against Ferencvaros. Die Werkself are in good form with back-to-back Bundesliga wins. Although Bayer are off the pace for the top six, Xabi Alonso’s work as head coach must be praised.
Bayern Munich are unbeaten in six straight matches versus Leverkusen in all competitions. Five of those six matches were wins for Die Roten.
Earlier this season, Bayern Munich eased to victory 4-0 over Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena. Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Sadio Mane scored in the first half and Thomas Muller added a fourth goal in the second period.
Bayern took 15 points from the last 18 points on offer in the Bundesliga. They outscored their last six opponents 19-9. Bayern are the Bundesliga’s best away team with 24 points coming from 12 matches.
Bayer Leverkusen picked up 10 points from their last 18 points on offer in the division. Die Werkself scored 13 times and conceded nine goals across the last six fixtures.
Leverkusen’s form at home has improved throughout the season. The team went unbeaten in four of the last six home fixtures. Die Werkself has a home record of 5W-2D-5L with 25 goals scored and 17 allowed.
Alonso could be without four players for the match. However, he could also rotate the side following the trip to Hungary in the Europa League on Thursday. Forward Patrik Schick is unlike to be available following a groin strain.
Back-up goalkeeper Andrey Lunev is out with a back injury. Midfielder Charles Aranguiz could miss the fixture with a calf strain. Finally, Midfielder Karim Bellarabi may be fit following an illness.
Julian Nagelsmann will be without striker Eric Choupo-Moting following a back injury. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains out with a broken leg, and defender Lucas Hernandez is sidelined for the rest of the season following an ACL injury.
Bayer Leverkusen do pose a threat to Bayern Munich. Die Werkself continue to improve under Alonso’s coaching. However, Bayern Munich are still head and shoulders ahead of Leverkusen, and the league leader should post a win.
Bayern Munich will have to fight for all three points and the game could be high scoring. Die Roten should win 3-2. Bayer saw over 2.5 goals in 11 of their last 13 matches in all competitions.
