As we wave farewell to another international break, it’s time to turn our attention back to club football once more.
The Bundesliga season is still in its infancy but we already have a top of the table clash this Friday as Bayern Munich host high-flying Bayer Leverkusen. The pair are the only two sides with a 100% record in the German top-flight, both having won all three of their league matches this season.
Bayern put a disappointing 3-0 DFB Super Cup defeat to RB Leipzig behind them to secure consecutive victories against Werder Bremen, Bavarian rivals Augsburg and most recently Borussia Monchengladbach.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s scintillating Leverkusen have been earning plenty of plaudits after picking up nine points from nine so far, netting an impressive 11 goals in the process. New signing Victor Boniface has been particularly impressive, scoring back-to-back braces in the Bundesliga and winning Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for August.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Friday’s mouth-watering Bundesliga encounter.
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen H2H record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (all competitions)
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Thomas Tuchel will be hopeful Jamal Musiala is fit and ready to go after a hamstring injury ruled him out of action for several weeks. The attacking midfielder has missed Die Roten’s last two matches and was also absent from the most recent Germany squad but could make a return against Leverkusen depending on the outcome of a late assessment.
Manuel Neuer remains out with the broken leg he suffered in a skiing accident back in December and new signing Raphael Guerreiro is still sidelined and awaiting his Bayern debut.
Bayern could name an unchanged lineup from their most recent late win against Monchengladbach with the only concern being the fitness of Joshua Kimmich who picked up a knock on international duty. The midfielder will be assessed but is likely to start if deemed fit.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sane, Muller, Coman; Kane.
Alonso is still without striker Patrik Schick, although that will cause him little concern given the incredible form of Boniface, while young full-back Arthur is still missing. Amine Adli returns from suspension and will likely take residence on the bench, but Timothy Fosu-Mensah is doubtful for the trip to Bavaria.
Defender Piero Hincapie could also make a return following a long metatarsal injury, with Alonso perhaps handing him his first minutes of the season. However, it’s likely the Spanish coach will name the same starting lineup for the fourth consecutive game.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich (3-4-3): Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Boniface, Wirtz.
What a way to kick off another weekend of Bundesliga action as the top two go head-to-head. Someone is bound to drop points for the first time this season, with history suggesting it will be Leverkusen.
Leverkusen have won just one of the last eight meetings with Bayern and haven’t managed three points at the Allianz Arena since 2019. Even this new-look, free-flowing Leverkusen side will struggle visiting the champions.
Bayern have started their title defence well and will expect to still have too much in the tank for Leverkusen, especially on home soil. A Champions League tie with Manchester United midweek may be in the back of their minds, but they must keep focused on battling an incredibly difficult Leverkusen team.
Given the attacking prowess of both sides, we should see plenty of goals this Friday night, with Bayern perhaps shading proceedings.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
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