Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS

The Bundesliga’s only remaining teams with perfect records, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, are set to face off at the Allianz Arena on Friday.

Both teams have won all three of their opening games in the German top flight, with Leverkusen currently leading the table due to their slightly better goal difference.

Bayern Munich

After a thrilling finish to the 2022/23 season where Bayern snatched the title from Borussia Dortmund on the final day, they entered the new campaign under the management of Thomas Tuchel with the goal of winning their 12th consecutive Bundesliga title.

Their season began with a 4-0 victory over Werder Bremen, with Leroy Sane, Harry Kane, and Mathys Tel all finding the net. This was followed by a 3-1 win against Augsburg, where Kane scored twice.

In their most recent match before the international break, the German champions came from behind to defeat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1, with Leroy Sane and Mathys Tel scoring the decisive goals.

Now, as they return to action after the international break, the Bavarians aims to secure a victory over Bayer Leverkusen to take the top spot in the Bundesliga.

Much has been said about Bayern’s lack of a proved goalscorer to lead their line last term, after Robert Lewandowski left for Barcelona, but now they have one in Kane and it will be interesting to see how much the England captain improves their fortunes in 2023/24.

Team News

Tuchel could field a similar starting lineup to the one that secured a victory against Borussia Monchengladbach before the international break.

Sven Ulreich is expected to continue in goal in the absence of Manuel Neuer, who is still sidelined due to injury. In defense, Kim Min-jae could partner Matthijs de Ligt in the middle, while Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are likely to feature in midfield.

Up front, Kane is expected to lead the line, having already scored three Bundesliga goals since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur. There is plenty of competition for supporting roles, with players like Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, and Sane vying for a place in the starting lineup.

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen has impressed under Xabi Alonso’s management, starting the current Bundesliga season strongly. After an 8-0 win over Teutonia Ottensen in the DFB-Pokal first round, they faced a tough challenge against RB Leipzig, winning 3-2.

Their next game saw them secure a comfortable victory against Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring three goals and keeping a clean sheet. They continued their winning streak with a 5-1 thrashing of Darmstadt.

With a perfect record thus far, Leverkusen will be eager to maintain their momentum and secure a significant victory against Bayern in Munich, which would certainly represent a notable scalp and help them establish themselves as the lone leaders at the top of the Bundesliga table. Beating Bayern in Munich, however, will be no easy task, and Alonso and his men will be aware that this contest represents a different sort of challenge than the ones they have faced so far this term.

Team News

Leverkusen’s injury concerns include Patrik Schick and Piero Hincapie, while winger Amine Adli returns to the squad after serving a suspension. Adli will compete for a spot in the front three alongside players like Adam Hlozek and Nathan Tella.

Jonas Hofmann and Florian Wirtz, who have started the season impressively on the flanks, are also strong contenders for attacking roles. Victor Boniface is expected to lead the line.

Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will continue to play crucial roles in midfield. With Piero Hincapie unavailable, the back three is likely to consist of Odilon Kossounou, Jonathan Tah, and Edmond Tapsoba. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo will provide attacking support from the wing-back positions.

Conclusion

This will be a fiery contest between two high-quality sides who play an attacking brand of football. You can hardly bet against a Bayern victory, though, especially at their Allianz Arena, but there should be plenty of chances and goals at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS