After a flying start to the season, with 100% records, Bayern Munich and Beyer Leverkusen will go one-on-one in the Bundesliga’s matchday four at the Allianz Arena on Friday, with kickoff slated for 18:30 GMT.
Key Highlights
Bayern’s First Test of this Bundesliga Campaign
Three wins out of the opening three rounds of Bundesliga fixtures means that Thomas Tuchel’s charges have had a flying start to the defense of their title.
Bayern have scored 9 goals and have conceded the joint league-lowest 2 goals (alongside Eintracht Frankfurt) after three matches in the process. They have hauled 9 points out of the available 9 and sit second on the Bundesliga table, level on 9 points with their opponents on Friday, Leverkusen.
With Leverkusen emerging as the early title challengers, this will be the first test for Bayern Munich. It will also be their chance to lay down a marker and send a statement of intent to the rest of the league regarding their quality, dominance, and intentions to retain their crown.
Are Leverkusen Genuine Bundesliga Contenders or Pretenders?
Xabi Alonso has created an exciting side this season. Leverkusen have plundered 11 goals, the joint-highest alongside VfB Stuttgart. Alonso’s charges have conceded three times, keeping one clean sheet in their three outings in the Bundesliga.
Bet hereLeverkusen will face the ultimate test in the Bundesliga when they take to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich on Friday.
The match will determine whether Leverkusen have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the seasoned Bayern Munich side.
A win will give Alonso’s charges a psychological boost to go ahead and challenge for the title. A defeat could be damaging for Leverkusen early on.
Injury Report
Bayern Munich
Thomas Tuchel will be without long-term absentee Manuel Neuer. The goalkeeper is in rehabilitation, recovering from a lower leg fracture. No date has been set for the return of the German international.
Bayern are also without the services of left-back Raphael Guerreiro. The 29-year-old fullback faces fitness issues before returning to Bundesliga action after the international break.
Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso will be without long-term absentee – striker Patrik Schick. The 27-year-old has been out for around 24 competitive matches for Leverkusen as he recovers from a tear to his abductor muscle.
Possible Lineups
Bayern Munich
S. Ulreich; A. Davies, M. KIM, D. Upamecano, N. Mazraoui; J. Kimmich, L. Goretzka; K. Coman, T. Muller, L. Sane; H. Kane
Leverkusen
L. Hradecky; O. Kossounou, J. Tah, E. Tapsoba; J. Frimpong, E. Palacios, G. Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo; J. Hofmann, F. Wirtz; V. Boniface.
Prediction
After easy wins against Werder Bremen, Augsburg, and Monchengladbach so far in the Bundesliga, this will be Bayern Munich’s first stern test by a side looking to push them all the way for the Bundesliga crown.
Thomas Tuchel will need his side to be ready for a high-octane, high-energy, and tempestuous match at home to Leverkusen.
For Leverkusen, after an exciting start to the season, they will need to show their mettle against a battle-hardened Bayern Munich side away from home. For any side looking to fight for the title in Germany, a match against Bayern Munich is the ultimate test.
Xabi Alonso will need to get his side ready for this match. They will need to display all the maturity, aggression, energy, and tactical discipline they can muster for this test at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern will win the match, underline their dominance in the Bundesliga, and make a statement of intent that they are not about to let the standards slip or their title go.
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