Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Can BVB hold their BayArena hot-streak? | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen

Things have started to really click into gear for Bayer Leverkusen in recent weeks. After a slower start than expected, Kasper Hjulmand is finally starting to reap the rewards of his labour as his players further adapt to his system on a weekly basis.

Since the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich at the start of the month, Leverkusen have strung together four consecutive wins. Benfica (1-0), Heidenheim (6-0), Wolfsburg (3-1) and Manchester City (2-0) were swept aside. 

Tuesday’s triumph in Manchester was coined “a night to remember” by the Danish head coach. The likes of Mark Flekken, Jarell Quansah, Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane impressed while Alex Grimaldo and Patrik Schick bagged the goals. 

Now, focus returns to domestic action as Borussia Dortmund come to town. Hjulmand’s side will hope they can overturn their recent poor run of form against BVB, having not beaten the Westphalians at the BayArena since January 2021. 

Team news:

Aside from Exequiel Palacios (adductor), Lucas Vazquez (muscular problems) and Equi Fernandez (ligament injury), Leverkusen’s injury list is quite short. Back problems could rule Arthur out, while Axel Tape is in a race to be fit but won’t be rushed back either. 

Leverkusen should go largely unchanged from Manchester with Flekken protected by Quansah, Bade and Tapsoba in defence. Hoffman and Grimaldo ought to flank Garcia and Maza in midfield, with Tillman and Poku supporting Schick up top. 

Predicted lineup: Flekken – Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba – Hofmann, Garcia, Maza, Grimaldo – Tillman, Poku – Schick 

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have looked somewhat shaky in the Bundesliga through November. Last Saturday was no different as they coughed up the lead on three occasions with VfB Stuttgart pegging them back each time in a 3-3 stalemate. 

Niko Kovac’s team have come under criticism from some fans and media outlets. It seems as if they are either too feeble to kill a game off or their attacking play is so imaginative that their defensive solidity suffers in the trade-off.

To the relief of their supporters, coach and players alike; Tuesday night brought their 3-game winless streak to an end. A resounding 4-0 win over Champions League visitors Villarreal CF will boost their confidence – and Guirassy is back among the goals. 

Having won on three of their last four visits to Leverkusen, BVB will hope it remains a happy hunting ground. Last season’s 4-2 triumph was perhaps one of Kovac’s greatest under his reign – perhaps it could provide the blueprint to victory on Saturday. 

Team news: 

Like their hosts this Saturday evening, Kovac should have close to a full squad to pick from. Niklas Sule (bruised toe) and Maximilian Beier (muscle stiffness) both missed out against Villarreal and are doubts for the weekend. 

Kobel will tend to the goal with an expected three-man rearguard of Anton, Can and Schlotterbeck. Jobe Bellingham should partner Felix Nmecha with Ryerson and Svensson in midfield. In attack, Adeyemi and Chukwuemeka ought to support Guirassy. 

Predicted lineup: Kobel – Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson – Adeyemi, Chukwuemeka – Guirassy