Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Simply looking to widen their buffer at the top of the Bundesliga table, a high-flying Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Borussia Mönchengladbach to the BayArena.

Bayer Leverkusen

Starting with the hosts, only continuing to break a string of records this season, Bayer Leverkusen have certainly cemented their spot as one of Europe’s surprise packages. Last seen putting in another stunning display as they snatched a last-gasp 3-2 victory away at RB Leipzig, Xabi Alonso’s side have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a famous seven-point buffer over defending champions Bayern Munich, the one-time Liverpool midfielder finds his side sat in the driving seat to get their hands on a first Bundesliga crown since 2011. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Bayer Leverkusen are yet to suffer a single defeat from any of their first 18 Bundesliga showdowns this season. Breezing their way to a Europa League knockout stage ticket last month, Alonso’s record-breaking squad should be smelling a golden opportunity here.

Team News

Dealing with what appears to be a long-term groin injury and set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, attacking talisman Victor Boniface will not feature here. Likewise, all respectably featuring at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, the trio of Amine Adli, Odilon Kossounou and Edmond Tapsoba will miss out on Saturday evening.

Bagging six strikes in his previous eight appearances across all competitions, 27-year-old Patrik Schick will spearhead Leverkusen’s charge this weekend. Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka will once again be partnered with Exequiel Palacios at the heart of Alonso’s midfield here.

Borussia Monchengladbach

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to losing ways last week as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home against Augsburg, Borussia Monchengladbach have continued to struggle with their consistency this season. Heading into Germany’s festive break with another 2-1 defeat away at Eintracht Frankfurt, Gerardo Seoane’s side have claimed just a single win from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances – a run that stems back to December 2nd. Almost sat in top-flight limbo, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss will be bracing himself for a heavyweight challenge against his former employers. Hit with a routine 3-0 drumming when they welcomed the runaway leaders to town back on August 26th, it should also be highlighted that Gladbach have collected just a single point from any of their last five Bundesliga showdowns away from Borussia-Park. Shipping 15 strikes on that five-match winless run on the road, Seoane’s inconstant squad couldn’t have asked for a tougher task this weekend.

Team News

Away with Japan at this month’s Asia Cup, Borussia Monchengladbach will be with the services of 26-year-old defender Ko Itakura on Saturday evening. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Seoane’s men will also be unable to call upon the likes of Hannes Wolf, Lukas Ullrich, Jonas Omlin and Tomas Cvancara.

However, serving a one-match suspension against Augsburg last week, one-time Borussia Dortmund star Julian Weigl will make a full return here. Bagging back-to-back Bundesliga strikes since opening the New Year, USA international Jordan Siebatcheu will lead Gladbach’s charge this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach met for their reverse Bundesliga meeting on August 26th, Saturday’s hosts collected a 3-0 romp at Borussia-Park.
• Alonso’s record-breaking squad are unbeaten in all of their first 18 Bundesliga appearances this season.
• Likewise, Leverkusen have won all of their last five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 16-3.
• Borussia Monchengladbach have collected just a single win from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances.
• Saturday’s guests have also registered just a single point from their last five Bundesliga away fixtures.

Conclusion

Unbeaten in all of their first 18 Bundesliga appearances this season and receiving a string of public praise, Bayer Leverkusen will be smelling the chance to make another Bundesliga statement here. Last seen snatching a dramatic 3-2 victory away at RB Leipzig, Alonso’s record-breaking squad will be relishing a return to the BayArena on Saturday evening. Storming their way to a 3-0 romp when they met Borussia Monchengladbach back on August 26th, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet