Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the first half
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
Looking to move one step closer to retaining their Bundesliga crown, Bayern Munich will make the trip to Champions League hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, picking up a 1-0 win away at European outsiders Freiburg last weekend and appearing to put their 4-1 hammering against Wolfsburg behind them, Bayer Leverkusen have their sights set on securing a Champions League return this year. Opening Saturday’s contest with only their goal difference keeping them out of that lucrative fourth-spot, Die Werkself have won six of their last seven matches across all competitions and that defeat against Wolfsburg last week was just their first loss since February 1st. Enjoying what has been a standout campaign at the BayArena and also catching the eye while on Europa League duties this year, there is no doubt that Head Coach Peter Bosz will be hugely excited by Kai Havertz’s scintillating purple patch. Bagging the winner against Freiburg last time out, the much sort-after playmaker has recorded five Bundesliga goals since returning from the break and now has 10 goals in his last 13 matches across all formats.
Team News
Aside from midfielder Lars Bender who is due to face a late fitness test because of a knock on his foot, Peter Bosz has a full squad at his disposal this weekend.
Bayern Munich
As for the visitors, putting in what was another thumping display last weekend and putting five past Fortuna Dusseldorf at the Allianz, Bayern Munich appears to be marching towards their eight consecutive Bundesliga title. Undoubtedly still boosted by what should be a crucial 1-0 win against main title challengers Borussia Dortmund last month, the defending champions have won their last 10 matches across all competitions and the mood in their camp remains at a continued high. Still seen as one of the leading contenders in this year’s Champions League as they showed with a stunning 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, the German giants open the weekend holding a seven-point buffer at the top of the table. While Saturday’s hosts might have one talisman enjoying a remarkable run, Hans-Dieter Flick has his own attacking star continuing to break records in Munich. Once again bagging a brace against Fortuna last time out, Polish marksman Robert Lewandowski has scored 29 Bundesliga goals this season and is within touching distance of another Golden Boot.
Team News
Bayer Munich will be without the trio of Philippe Coutinho (ankle), Niklas Süle (match fitness), and Corentin Tolisso (ankle).
Key Factors to Consider
- Including a 2-1 win when the two sides faced off earlier in the season, Bayer Leverkusen have landed back-to-back victories against Saturday’s guests.
- Bayer Leverkusen have won six of their last seven matches across all competitions.
- Playmaker Kai Havertz has recorded five Bundesliga goals since returning from the enforced break.
- Bayern Munich have won their last 10 matches across all competitions.
- Each of the last six meetings between the two sides have seen over 2.5 goals at full-time.
Conclusion
While Bayern might open Saturday’s trip to the BayArena as a favourite with the bookmakers, Bayer Leverkusen have proven that they will not be a pushover this weekend. Continuing on what has been a scintillating run of form and with Kai Havertz continuing to lead their Champions League charge, Saturday promises to be a lively contest by all accounts. With the defending champions only appearing to go from strength to strength and with their only leading marksman continuing to break records by the week, it appears that chances should come thick and fast at the BayArena in what looks set to be a mouthwatering affair.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the first half
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
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