Bayern Munich will be keen to put Bayer Leverkusen in their place when they take on the defending Bundesliga champions on Saturday night.
A pivotal encounter in the Bundesliga title race is set to unfold at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, as defending champions Bayer Leverkusen take on challengers Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Both sides have begun the season in impressive form. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern sit atop the league with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches, while Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship, are just three points adrift in second place, having won three of their opening four fixtures.
Any doubts about whether Kompany could lead Bayern to glory in his debut season have been somewhat dispelled by the Bavarians’ dominant start. They have emerged victorious in all six competitive matches this season, showcasing their offensive firepower and tactical discipline.
Their recent 5-0 demolition of Werder Bremen saw Michael Olise shine with two goals and two assists, while Harry Kane continued his impressive form, scoring once and assisting twice. This came on the heels of a resounding 9-2 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb, where Kane netted four times, surpassing Wayne Rooney as the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history.
The Bavarians have netted a staggering 29 goals in just six matches across all competitions this term, with 16 of those coming in the Bundesliga. Intriguingly, their goal tally exceeds their expected goals (xG) figure by almost six, indicating a clinical edge despite generating only the fourth most big chances in the league.
Leverkusen, despite their promising start, have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. While they have won six of their seven competitive outings this season, they have also conceded 11 goals—a far cry from their defensive solidity last term when they allowed just 0.71 goals per game in the Bundesliga.
Their last league match against Wolfsburg epitomised their erratic form. Despite scoring four goals, they conceded three and only secured victory courtesy of a 93rd-minute strike from Victor Boniface. Alonso’s men are conceding at a rate of 2.25 goals per game this season, a stark contrast to their defensive prowess in the previous campaign.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka attributed these lapses not to structural issues but to a lack of aggression off the ball, allowing opponents too much freedom to exploit spaces. Alonso echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for composure and organization, both defensively and offensively.
Despite these concerns, Leverkusen’s recent record is formidable. They have won 31, drawn six, and lost just one of their last 38 Bundesliga matches and have been particularly impressive on the road, remaining unbeaten in their last 19 away games. The Hard Tackle explores the possible lineups and strategies for this much-awaited match.
Team News & Tactics
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will be without several key defenders for the clash. Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic are not expected to return to action until October and November, respectively, while right-back Sacha Boey is ruled out until December. Additionally, forward Arijon Ibrahimovic is anticipated to be back in early October, and goalkeeper Daniel Peretz will likely be sidelined for a few more days.
Manuel Neuer is set to reclaim his position between the posts, supported by a defence comprising Konrad Laimer at right-back, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae forming the central defensive partnership, and Alphonso Davies operating on the left. In midfield, Joshua Kimmich is expected to continue his partnership with Aleksandar Pavlovic, with the duo impressing in recent games and providing stability in the centre of the park.
In a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Manuel Neuer will take his place as the goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Konrad Laimer at right-back, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae as the central defenders, and Alphonso Davies at left-back. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic will occupy the two central midfield positions, providing both defensive cover and distribution from deep.
Further up the pitch, Michael Olise is likely to be positioned on the right wing, with Jamal Musiala operating as the central attacking midfielder and Serge Gnabry on the left. This trio will offer creativity and support to Harry Kane, who will lead the line as the lone striker, looking to add to his impressive goal tally for the season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso will have the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from, allowing him to field his strongest lineup against Bayern Munich. Granit Xhaka is a certainty in midfield, but given the team’s defensive issues of late, Aleix Garcia may make way for Exequiel Palacios in the starting XI to add more defensive solidity.
Jeremie Frimpong and Victor Boniface are expected to be restored to the starting lineup, with the dynamic wing-back and prolific striker replacing Nordi Mukiele and Patrik Schick, respectively.
In the probable 3-4-2-1 formation, Lukas Hradecky will continue as the goalkeeper, protected by a three-man defence comprising Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie. Jeremie Frimpong will operate as the right wing-back, adding pace and width, while Alejandro Grimaldo will take up the role on the left flank.
In the centre of midfield, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will form the double pivot, tasked with controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover. Further up the pitch, Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz will play in advanced roles behind the main striker, offering creativity and goal-scoring threats.
Florian Wirtz, in particular, will be crucial to Leverkusen’s attacking play, having scored four goals in his last three matches. Victor Boniface will lead the line as the sole forward, aiming to continue his strong form and pose a significant threat to Bayern’s defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface
Key Stats
- Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last three Bundesliga games against Bayern Munich (W2, D1). This marks the longest unbeaten run for Leverkusen against Bayern in the top flight. Xabi Alonso could become the third coach in Bundesliga history, after Kuno Klötzer and Ernst Happel, to avoid defeat in each of his first four meetings with Bayern.
- Bayern Munich will play a reigning Bundesliga champion for the first time since the 2012/13 season. They have not won any of their last four matches against reigning champions (all against Borussia Dortmund). Their last victory in such a fixture was a 3-1 win against Wolfsburg in February 2010.
- When sitting in first place, Bayern Munich have not lost any of their last 16 Bundesliga games against teams in second place (W11, D5). Their last defeat in such a scenario came in January 2015, when they lost 4-1 to Wolfsburg.
- With four wins from four games and a goal difference of +13 (16-3), Bayern Munich have equaled the joint-best start to a Bundesliga season in their history. This record has only been matched by Bayern themselves in the 2016/17 season and VfB Stuttgart in the 1996/97 season.
- Bayer Leverkusen have conceded nine goals across their opening four matchdays, their worst defensive record at this stage since the 2014/15 season. The last reigning champion to let in as many goals in their first four games was 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 1998/99.
Player to Watch
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has been in exceptional form for Bayern Munich since his arrival, consistently delivering in key moments. The English striker has scored multiple goals in the Bundesliga already this season, including a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to any defence.
Kane’s presence has not only added firepower to Bayern’s attack but also brought a new dynamic to their forward line. His link-up play, vision, and aerial prowess make him a complete forward, capable of both scoring and assisting.
Against a Bayer Leverkusen side that has struggled defensively, Kane’s predatory instincts in the box could prove decisive. With his knack for scoring in big games, expect the England captain to be at the heart of Bayern’s efforts to break down their opponents.
Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
With both teams in prolific form but showing contrasting defensive records, this clash promises goals and high drama. Bayern Munich’s relentless attack, led by the in-form Harry Kane and Michael Olise, might just have the edge over Bayer Leverkusen’s shaky backline.
Bayern’s attacking depth and home advantage could see them narrowly outscore a Leverkusen side that, while potent in attack, continues to struggle defensively. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-2 win for Vincent Kompany and his charges.