Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen – Bundesliga – Preview

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Sreya

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen – Bayern Munich hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on 18th August, Friday in the opening fixture of the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich were the champions of the German top division last season, finishing fifteen points ahead of the second-placed RB Leipzig while Bayer Leverkusen had a poor season finishing in the bottom half of the table.

The visitors were twelfth last season and would like to improve their standings massively in the upcoming season, hoping to contend for the Europa League spots.

Team News

Bayern Munich have a lot of injuries with Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara, James Rodriguez, Juan Bernat and Felix Goetze all ruled out. Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng will face late fitness tests.

Tin Jedvaj is Leverkusen’s primary injury concern while Kai Havertz and Kevin Kampl are listed as doubts.

Bayern Munich Possible Starting Lineup: Sven Ulreich, Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Sule, Mats Hummels, David Alaba, Sebastian Rudy, Corentin Tolisso, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery, Robert Lewandowski.

Bayer Leverkusen Possible Starting Lineup: Bernd Leno, Benjamin Henrichs, Jonathan Tah, Sven Bender, Wendell, Dominik Kohr, Charles Aranguiz, Karim Bellarabi, Kevin Kampl, Admir Mehmedi, Kevin Volland.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“It’s finally down to business against Leverkusen, everyone’s looking forward to it and then pre-season’s forgotten. They have a new playing philosophy. Previously they played very aggressively.”

– Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern Munich.

“We don’t go along with the Olympic motto that it’s the taking part that counts. We want to play with courage.”

– Heiko Herrlich, Bayer Leverkusen.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen H2H Stats, the last five matches between these two clubs resulted in two wins for Bayern Munich, two draws and one win for Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern are undefeated in their last 22 home matches in the Bundesliga, having scored at least 2 goals in six of their last seven home matches.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are the favorites tonight and are likely to win 2-0.