Arminia Bielefeld vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 DFB-Pokal | Semi-Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Third tier Arminia Bielefeld face the ultimate challenge in their quest to reach a historic DFB-Pokal final, with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the way.
Kick-off date/time: Tuesday April 1st 2025: – UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Some matches will be televised on ESPN channels so it is worth checking their schedules
How to watch online: UK – DFB-Play / US – ESPN+
Arminia Bielefeld Preview: Hunting for fourth Bundesliga scalp
Arminia Bielefeld have already dispatched three Bundesliga clubs on their way to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, but to knock out the reigning champions would represent by far their biggest achievement yet. So far, Union Berlin, Freiburg and most recently Werder Bremen have fallen victims to the third-tier side.
The hosts have done an excellent job balancing their cup commitments with a crucial league campaign with promotion back to 2. Bundesliga absolute vital for the club’s health. Huge credit goes to head coach Michel Kniat for the job that he’s done.
Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Most realistic shot at silverware
If Bayer Leverkusen are to back up their historic domestic double last season with another major trophy in 2024-25, then their best chance has to be here in the DFB-Pokal. They are two wins away from retaining the cup and struck lucky by avoiding both Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in the semi-finals, instead drawing the 3. Bundesliga side.
The champions returned to action following the international break last Friday, beating Bochum 3-1 at the BayArena. That result makes it back-to-back wins for Leverkusen following their dramatic 3-4 triumph over Stuttgart prior to the break.
Arminia Bielefeld Team News: Injury rules out Boujellab
After coming on as a substitute at the weekend before suffering a knee problem that forced off the pitch soon after, Nassim Boujellab will miss this semi-final. Uldrikis is a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kersken; Lannert, Schneider, Felix, Oppie; Russo, Corboz; Kunze; Bazee, Kania, Grodowski
Unavailable: Boujellab (Injured), Uldrikis (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen Team News: Five missing, including Wirtz
Nathan Tella and Amine Adli could start alongside either Patrik Schick or Victor Boniface up front. Mukiele may play as part of a back three with Tapsoba out injured. Also missing are Belocian, Hermoso, Terrier and Florian Wirtz.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Schick, Adli
Unavailable: Belocian (Injured), Hermoso (Injured), Tapsoba (Injured), Terrier (Injured), Wirtz (Injured)
Questionable:
Arminia Bielefeld vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
Will the dream end here for Arminia Bielefeld, or can they produce another magical moment in what has been an unforgettable cup campaign. Bayer Leverkusen have had their struggles against lower-tier opposition in the DFB-Pokal this season and came within a whisker of being knocked out by FC Cologne in the quarter-finals.
Expect Xabi Alonso’s side to dominate possession, but without the creativity, guile and individual skill of Wirtz, it may well prove difficult for them to break Arminia down and patience will be required. Don’t underestimate the hosts on the counter-attack either, Leverkusen have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six games in all competitions and it would be no surprise to see Arminia get at least a couple of big chances.
In the end, the Bundesliga outfit and reigning cup holders should do enough to progress, but Arminia are a shrewd play to at least find the net, so backing Leverkusen and both teams to score warrants consideration.
Arminia Bielefeld vs Bayer Leverkusen Tip: Bayer Leverkusen to win and both teams to score
