Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bayern Munich face Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Die Roten have won all six matches under new coach Vincent Kompany, scoring 29 goals. Leverkusen have lost just once this season but are unbeaten in their last three matches against Bayern, with two wins.

Bayern Form

Die Roten have been in sensational form this season under the surprise appointment of Vincent Kompany as head coach. They started the season with a 3-2 win at Wolfsburg and a 2-0 home victory against Freiburg. Since then, they have been scoring at an incredible rate.

A 6-1 win at newly promoted Holstein Kiel saw Harry Kane score a hat-trick. He went one better three days later in a 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Last weekend, Bayern thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0, registering 3.02 xG and 25 shots, while not allowing their opponents a single attempt on goal.

Bayern Team News

Vincent Kompany is likely to have Manuel Neuer available again after his injury against Dinamo Zagreb, meaning Sven Ulreich will drop to the bench. Fullbacks Josip Stanišić and Sacha Boey are out injured, as is €30 million summer signing Hiroki Ito at center back.

Aleksandar Pavlović and Joshua Kimmich will likely continue in midfield, with João Palhinha on the bench. Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry are expected to start out wide, with Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané among the substitutes.

Bayern Motivation

This match represents a big opportunity for Bayern to open a six-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen after just five rounds of action.

They will also be eager to avenge the 3-0 defeat they suffered against Xabi Alonso’s team back in February. Expect an aggressive, attacking approach from the hosts.

Leverkusen Form

Leverkusen had an outstanding Bundesliga campaign last season, going unbeaten to win the title. A 3-0 loss in the Europa League final was a bitter pill to swallow, but they bounced back by winning the DFB Pokal final three days later to secure a domestic double. This season started with a penalty shootout win in the German Super Cup after a 2-2 draw against Stuttgart.

In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have won three of their four matches this season, with a shock loss in round two. They were 2-0 up against RB Leipzig but lost 3-2, despite outshooting the Red Bulls 26-8. They rebounded with a 4-1 win at Hoffenheim and a 4-0 win at Feyenoord in the Champions League. A 93rd-minute winner was needed last Sunday to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolfsburg.

Leverkusen Team News

Xabi Alonso is likely to make a few changes to his starting lineup. Piero Hincapie is expected to return to the back three, Jeremie Frimpong will start at right wingback, and Exequiel Palacios should feature in midfield.

Victor Boniface will likely replace Patrik Schick in the starting XI after scoring the winner against Wolfsburg. There are no injuries or suspensions for Alonso to contend with.

Leverkusen Motivation

Leverkusen will aim to assert themselves against Bayern, looking to dominate possession while controlling space defensively.

A draw would be seen as a decent result, but Alonso will be pushing for all three points.

Key Stats

Bayern have won 21 of their last 27 home matches against Leverkusen (all competitions).

Bayern Munich have won all 6 matches this season, scoring 29 goals.

Leverkusen have seen over 2.5 goals in 14 of their last 15 matches against Bayern.

Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 3 matches against Bayern (W-D-W).

Leverkusen have lost just 1 of their last 37 Bundesliga matches.

Verdict

This promises to be an exciting and entertaining clash. Both sides are likely to score, and it’s hard to pick a clear winner. A draw offers great value.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 1.80

Alternative Bet: Bayern Munich win/draw double chance + Over 2.5 goals at 1.71

Value Bet: Draw at 4.25

Goalscorer Tip: Kane and Boniface to both score anytime at 5.50