Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich: Bundesliga Prediction and Preview

It’s time for a big Bundesliga matchup as Bayer Leverkusen will host defending champions Bayern Munich in what promises to be an exciting game.

Currently sitting at fifth, Bayer Leverkusen are embroiled in a battle for fourth place with Borussia Monchengladbach who lost to SC Freiburg this matchweek. The time is ripe for Peter Bosz's men to push and lock in a Champions League spot.

With a seven-point lead at the top, Bayern Munich are cruising towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title. This fixture, however, will be a tough one and they are also scheduled to play Monchengladbach next. A negative result in both games will give Borussia Dortmund to mount a comeback. Hans-Dieter Flick’s side is expected to come out all guns blazing.

Current Form

Bayer Leverkusen have won three and lost one since the Bundesliga resumed on May 16. Their record in the last five league games stands at four wins and one loss with the negative result being a 1-4 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg.

Last week, Die Werkself scraped past SC Freiburg to register a 1-0 win with Kai Havertz getting on the scoresheet again.

Bayern have been in fine fettle since Hansi Flick took over and have won their last eight Bundesliga matches. Die Roten are also undefeated in their last 15 Bundesliga games (W13, D2) – a stunning run.

The German champions hammered Fortuna Düsseldorf 5-0 last weekend. Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace with full-backs Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard also finding the net.

Bayer Leverkusen form: WWWLW

Bayern Munich form: WWWWW

Last Time Out

The hosts are looking to do a rare league double on Bayern Munich in this fixture. They had inflicted a shock 2-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena in November. Leon Bailey’s brace helped Bosz’s men to run away with a win, despite going down to 10 men when Jonathan Tah was sent off in the second half.

The last six games between these two sides have resulted in four wins for Bayern Munich and two wins for Bayer Leverkusen. Interestingly, Die Werkself head into this game with a two-match win streak over the visitors. BayArena being the venue doesn’t guarantee an advantage to Bosz’s men as they have succumbed to heavy defeats to Bayern Munich at this venue.

Team News

Talented attacker Kevin Volland is likely to miss this game. With a contribution of nine goals and seven assists, Bayer Leverkusen will miss the threat he provides.

Defensive juggernaut Jonathan Tah also has back issues and is likely to sit out this game. Club captain Lars Bender is sidelined with a foot injury.

For Bayern Munich, there is positive news on Thiago Alcantara’s return. On the flip side, Jerome Boateng is having hip troubles, adding to the injury crisis at center-back with Lucas Hernandez also facing an adductor issue.

Key Battles

Sven Bender vs Robert Lewandowski

Stopping the sensational Pole is every defender’s nightmare but former teammate Sven Bender will be knowing about a trick or two that Lewandowski is able to conjure. 

The versatile Bender is a mainstay for Bayer Leverkusen. His expert reading of the game will be crucial in stopping the supply to Lewandowski from the likes of Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry. Bender’s positioning will also be important in reducing Lewandowski’s influence.

The Pole had looked out of sorts in some games after the restart but was back to his best last week. That being said, he has only scored five goals in 18 games against Die Werkself and Bender will try his best to prevent the Pole from getting a sixth.

Kai Havertz vs Jerome Boateng

There’s a lot of hype around Havertz and rightly so. 11 goals and five assists is a solid output for the attacking talent.

Functioning as a false nine recently, Havertz has put the world on notice since the Bundesliga’s restart. He has scored five goals in the last four games and finding the net against Bayern Munich will add to his glowing reputation.

Boateng has formed a strong pairing with David Alaba in the heart of defense. Die Roten have kept three clean sheets in four games and have conceded two goals. The defensive solidity will be tested in this match considering Boateng is facing some hip issues. Will his experience and physicality help overcome the direct play and quick feet of Havertz?

Julian Baumgartlinger vs Leon Goretzka

Midfield control will be a prime objective for both managers in this game.

Bosz can rely on the grizzled vet that is Julian Baumgartlinger while Flick will deploy the dynamic Leon Goretzka in that role.

The Austrian midfielder’s defensive capabilities will be a good foil to Goretzka’s offensive forays. Pressurizing the latter in possession will be key to wresting midfield control from a side that revels in dominating possession.

Match Prediction

Both teams are heading into this match in great form. Recent history has been in Bayer Leverkusen’s favor but it would be foolish to say that they’re the favorites in this game.

Flick’s men have another hard game after this one. You can expect them to take care of business in this game and not risk what could be a massive capitulation at the top.

With Monchengladbach losing to Freiburg, Bosz will be sensing the opportunity to leapfrog Die Fohlen. Too bad that they have to face Bayern Munich to do that.

Leverkusen fans would be ecstatic if their club does a double on Bayern Munich but that is unlikely. The defending champions have had an upper hand on the hosts and expect that to continue in this game.

Predicted scoreline: Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Bayern Munich