Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Werder Bremen

Verdict: Home Team to Win to Nil

Best odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

The 2023/24 Bundesliga title could definitely change hands this weekend at BayArena as champions-elect Bayer Leverkusen face Werder Bremen in the last match of round 29.

With only six rounds of games remaining in the season, Leverkusen merely have to match Bayern Munich’s result against Koln this weekend to become German champions for the first time in their history.

Bayer Levekusen

Bayer Leverkusen have stood out this season, leading the Bundesliga table with a commanding 16-point advantage over reigning champions Bayern Munich, who have struggled to find their usual form.

If Die Werkself secure the league title, it would signal the end of Bayern’s 11-season dominance in the German top flight, making Leverkusen the first team to surpass Bayern for the title since Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in 2011/12. Moreover, it would aslo extend Harry Kane’s quest for his first career trophy.

Xabi Alonso’s team has had a remarkable season, remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga and poised to set a new league record for the longest unbeaten start to a season at 29 games if they avoid defeat this weekend.

Furthermore, with a place already secured in the DFB Cup final and amidst their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie with West Ham United, which they lead 2-0, Alonso’s undefeated squad is aiming to achieve true greatness in the coming weeks as they pursue a treble.

The BayArena has been a formidable fortress for Die Werkself this season, securing victory in their last eight home matches across all competitions. Additionally, they have demonstrated defensive resilience, keeping clean sheets in their last two outings. It seems fitting that they would clinch their first-ever league title in front of their own fans in this match.

Team News

Alonso has nearly a full squad available for selection, with only Adam Hlozek and 21-year-old defender Arthur listed as potential injury concerns.

Victor Boniface made his highly anticipated return to action against the Hammers midweek, making an impact off the bench with a goal. He could potentially earn a start in a Bundesliga fixture for the first time since gameweek 15 on Sunday.

Werder Bremen

As Bayer Leverkusen set their sights on the title, Werder Bremen’s form has taken a downturn in recent weeks, with no victories in their last five Bundesliga matches, including four defeats.

Heading into this encounter following a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in their previous match, Werder Bremen saw Milos Veljkovic score midway through the second half, only to be swiftly equalized against, resulting in both teams settling for a point.

Despite being in contention for European qualification earlier in the season, Werder have now slipped into the mid-table section following a six-match winless streak. They suffered a comprehensive 3-0 home defeat against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the season.

Furthermore, Werder are currently enduring a three-match winless streak on the road in league games, having recorded just three away wins all season. That, coupled with Leverkusen’s relentless run of good results, makes them massive underdogs for this upcoming match.

Team News

Bremen will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to spoil what is expected to be a celebratory atmosphere in Leverkusen this weekend. However, they are facing a big challenge, particularly with several key players sidelined due to injury, including their captain Marco Friedl.

Additionally, Anthony Jung and Jens Stage will miss the trip to Leverkusen due to suspension, while Dawid Kownacki, Justin Njinmah, and Skelly Alvero have been ruled out with injuries. Niklas Stark and Amos Pieper are also uncertain due to fitness concerns.

In light of these absences, head coach Ole Werner will need to find solutions to fill the gaps in his team. Julian Malatini and Christian Gross are likely to be called upon to reinforce the three-man defence, while either Naby Keita or Romano Schmid may step into the midfield to provide support.

Conclusion

Bayer Leverkusen has been vastly superior to every other side in the Bundesliga this season, and they now find themselves on the brink of securing their first-ever league title. Die Werkself have demonstrated their strength against all opponents throughout the campaign, and it only stands to reason to expect them to clinch the title with a convincing victory in this upcoming match, with all due respect to Werder Bremen.

Verdict: Home Team to Win to Nil

Best odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet