FC Bayern vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview, squad news & predicted lineups | OneFootball

Bayern and Leverkusen have grown into one of Germany’s most compelling head-to-head rivalries. In their five most recent meetings across all competitions, Bayern hold the slight edge (2 wins for Bayern, 2 draws, 1 win for Leverkusen), though Leverkusen have shown they can upset the narrative.

The last time both teams met, Bayern recorded a comprehensive 5-0 aggregate victory over Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16 in March, signaling a psychological advantage for the Bavarians.Still, Leverkusen’s pressing style and dynamic transitions often trouble Bayern, making this fixture anything but routine.

Vincent Kompany's side have been in blistering shape in 2025/26: their domestic results show a flawless win streak, where they’ve not only secured victories but done so with authority, scoring freely and conceding rarely. That momentum underpins Bayern’s bid to keep control at the top of the Bundesliga.

Die Werkself have also enjoyed a strong run domestically: winning four of their last five in the league, and creating a sense of upward trajectory - excluding a 2-7 thrashing by PSG in the Champions League. This loss has exposed Leverkusen's vulnerability under coach Kasper Hjulmand, which Bayern will be keen to exploit.

One thing both teams have in common? They've both successfully advanced into the next round of the DFB-Pokal! Bayern won 4-1 against Köln, while Leverkusen beat Paderborn 4-2.

Side note: It's Jonathan Tah's first game against his old employer - can he help his new team to another victory this season?

Squad news:

Bayern are still without their talisman Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito. Apart from them, everybody is available, according to coach Vincent Kompany. Even Serge Gnabry made his return to the starting eleven during the week in the DFB-Pokal against Köln.

Vincent Kompany could however, continue to rotate his squad, as he has done in the past few weeks: Bayern will play PSG next Tuesday, which might be a reason to rest key players like Harry Kane or Michael Olise - at least for one half of this matchup.

Bayer Leverkusen are in a more challenging injury situation. Coach Kasper Hjulmand must contend with a number of absences: Exequiel Palacios is sidelined with an adductor injury, Axel Tape (hamstring) remains unavailable, Nathan Tella and Lucas Vazquez are also out for the game. Malik Tillman remains uncertain for the clash against the Rekordmeister, a decision will be made shortly before the game.

These missing pieces may force Leverkusen into rotation and tactical tweaks.

Predicted lineups:

FC Bayern (4-2-3-1):

Neuer - Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic - Goretzka, Kimmich - Olise, Gnabry, Diaz - Kane

Bayer Leverkusen (3-5-2):

Flekken - Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba - Arthur, Hofmann, Andrich, García, Grimaldo - Schick, Poku

With both sides in strong form, this promises to be a high-quality contest. However, Bayern’s home advantage, depth and recent consistency give them the slight edge. Expect a tight game where Bayern take the lead and hold on: Bayern Munich 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen.