Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The big clash that everyone has been waiting for as champions Bayer Leverkusen host league leaders Bayern Munich in a match that Xabi Alonso’s side need to win.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday February 15th 2025: – UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – Some matches will be televised on ESPN channels so it is worth checking their schedules
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Win or bust
Whilst failing to beat Bayern Munich wouldn’t definitively end Bayer Leverkusen’s ambitions to retain the Meisterschale, it would leave them needing a minor miracle. The gap between them in second-place and table toppers Bayern is currently eight points, which is hard to see Xabi Alonso’s men overcoming when taking into account the quality possessed by the Rekordmeister.
However, victory here at the BayArena would breathe new life into the title race, cutting the gap to five points and piling to pressure on Vincent Kompany’s side. After dropping points away at Wolfsburg last time out, Leverkusen must secure what would be a second home Bundesliga win against Bayern in as many seasons.
Bayern Munich Preview: Kompany’s men hold all the cards
There’s no doubt that Bayern Munich hold the advantage heading into this title tussle. With an eight-point-gap between themselves and Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, even a draw here would be more than adequate for Bayern, maintaining that sizeable gap and leaving things firmly in their hands moving forward.
Bayern have had no break leading into this encounter after having played Celtic in the Champions League midweek. Whilst the German giants came out on top by two goals to one, the game was a gruelling one and was hardly ideal for their players with Leverkusen enjoying a week’s rest.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News: Grimaldo back from suspension
Xabi Alonso has his strongest possible XI on deck for this game as Alejandro Grimaldo returns after missing the trip to Wolfsburg. Boniface is likely to get the nod over Schick up top, whilst Alonso must decide between Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios as to who starts alongside Granit Xhaka in central midfield.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Boniface, Wirtz
Unavailable: Belocian (Injured), Terrier (Injured)
Questionable: Hermoso (Illness)
Bayern Munich Team News: Kim to start after rest in week
After starting from the bench against Celtic, Kim should be back in the XI here alongside Dayot Upamecano. The more experienced Leon Goretzka should partner Joshua Kimmich in midfield with Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane likely to be fighting for one place on the left-wing. Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller could both have big roles to play off the bench.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Unavailable:
Questionable: Davies (Injured), Palhinha (Illness), Peretz (Injured)
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Prediction
Bayern Munich may be the beneficiaries if this game was to finish a draw. But to set up in a negative manner would be asking for trouble and go against all their biggest strengths under Kompany. With that in mind, expect them to go for the win here and for Bayer Leverkusen to meet them head on. The home side boast the superior head-to-head record so far this season between the two teams, drawing 1-1 at the Allianz Arena before beating Bayern 0-1 at the same location in the DFB-Pokal.
Bayer Leverkusen won this Bundesliga fixture by three goals to nil in a memorable BayArena encounter last season and this game is likely to prove just as entertaining. With the plethora of attacking talent on the pitch it would be a surprise if we didn’t see goals. Therefore, back both teams to score, as well as over 2.5 goals.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Tip: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
