Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could prove to be an action-packed Bundesliga showdown on Saturday afternoon, Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the BayArena.

Bayer Leverkusen

Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have embarked on a real Bundesliga fairytale last season as they got their hands on a maiden Bundesliga crown, Xabi Alonso’s men have struggled to find much domestic stability this time around. Heading into October’s international break with a downbeat 2-2 stalemate at home against top-flight returners Kiel, the German champions have collected just 11 points from any of their first six Bundesliga appearances. Signing off August with an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against RB Leipzig, Saturday’s hosts are seeking some crucial defensive resolve. Despite enjoying what has been a major European flurry since getting their Champions League campaign underway last month, Leverkusen have failed to register a single Bundesliga clean sheet from any of their first six showdowns.

Team News

Marking their return from October’s international break on Saturday afternoon, Bayer Leverkusen have reported a clean bill of health. Finding the net against Kiel prior to the fortnight interval and already registering five goals across all competitions, Nigerian marksman Victor Boniface will be looking to extend on his early season flurry.

While German sensation Florian Wirtz might have failed to find the net in any of his previous five appearances across all competitions, the 21-year-old will play a leading role here. Featuring for Finland against England last weekend, veteran goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky will start between the sticks.

Eintracht Frankfurt

As for the visitors, mounting a sensational last-gasp comeback prior to October’s international break as they snatched a 3-3 stalemate against Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt have continued to shine this season. Marking their return from the fortnight interval sat just one-point adrift of climbing to the top of the Bundesliga table, Dino Toppmoller’s men have their sights firmly set on punching a Champions League ticket this year. Opening October with a stellar 3-1 romp away at Turkish giants Besiktas, Frankfurt have gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. Including another 3-1 win against Hoffenheim on August 31st, Saturday’s guests have notched 20 goals in just their previous seven matchups across all competitions. Riding a major wave of momentum, Toppmoller’s side will be relishing a trip to the BayArena this weekend.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance since the end of August, Danish youngster Oscar Hojlund remains on the sidelines and will not feature this weekend. Likewise, academy graduate Mehdi Loune s still dealing with a long-term knee injury and is unavailable on Saturday afternoon.

Storming his way to the top of the Bundesliga goalscoring charts and remarkably notching eight goals in just his first six appearances this season, Egypt international Omar Marmoush will play a leading role at the BayArena. Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign, 21-year-old Kaua Santos will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt last met back on May 5th, the reigning Bundesliga champions collected a 5-1 romp at Deutsche Bank Park.
• In fact, Leverkusen have won each of their previous three showdowns against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 11-2.
• Eintracht Frankfurt have recorded 20 goals in just their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Leverkusen have failed to register a single Bundesliga clean sheet since opening up the new campaign.
• Egypt international Omar Marmoush has recorded eight goals in just his first six Bundesliga appearances this season.

Conclusion

While Bayer Leverkusen might mark their return from October’s international break pencilled in as a standout contender, the defending champions should face a stern challenge this weekend. Yet to record a single Bundesliga clean sheet so far this season, Frankfurt have continued on a real purple patch. With three of the last four meetings between Saturday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet