In what could be the defining match of the Bundesliga title race, defending champions Bayer Leverkusen will host current leaders Bayern Munich at the BayArena. In their last game Leverkusen were held to a 0-0 draw by Wolfsburg leaving them second in the standings with 46 points. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top to eight points following a commanding 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Xabi Alonso’s team had some trouble against Wolfsburg failing to score for the first time in 18 games. Despite this setback, Leverkusen remain in contention in multiple competitions, having reached the DFB-Pokal semi finals and the Champions League round of 16. However, they are projected to finish with 78 points, 12 fewer than last season’s total. Leverkusen’s attack has been very good scoring 17 times in their last six Bundesliga matches but defensive struggles remain, with only three clean sheets in their past 12 league games. They have already faced Bayern twice this season, drawing 1-1 in the league and securing a 1-0 DFB-Pokal victory.
Bayern Munich arrive at BayArena in dominant form having swept aside Werder Bremen in their last league match. Vincent Kompany’s side controlled the game, limiting their opponents to just 0.13 xG. With 65 Bundesliga goals this season, Bayern are on course to reach 105 goals, a tally surpassed only twice since 1905-06. They also secured a hard fought 2-1 win over Celtic in their Champions League round of 16 first leg. However, defensive concerns exist, Bayern have conceded 11 goals in their last seven matches, more than they had in their previous 15. Despite this they have won their last five games and nine of their last 10 in all competitions.
Leverkusen will be without Jeanuel Belocian for the rest of the season but have an otherwise fit squad. Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapie are expected to start in defense with Lukas Hradecky in goal. Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz will likely lead the attack.
Bayern Munich will be missing Alphonso Davies and backup goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Raphael Guerreiro is likely to fill in at left back alongside Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae in defense. Joshua Kimmich is set to partner Leon Goretzka in midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen possible lineup: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Boniface, Tella
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
