Bayer Leverkusen kick off their 2023-24 campaign at BayArena on Saturday, as they welcome an in-form RB Leipzig. Both sides look set to be among the leading contenders for a Champions League spot this term.
Bundesliga Preview
It promises to be a big season for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, as the club look to improve on their sixth-place finish from last term. They have lost a number of key stars during the summer window, with the big departure coming in the form of Moussa Diaby, who departed for Aston Villa. However, they have added quality to the squad, with the additions of Jonas Hofmann, Granit Xhaka and Victor Boniface.
Leverkusen enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign, which included wins over Marseille and West Ham. They kicked off their domestic campaign last weekend with a routine 8-0 win over Teutonia Ottensen in the opening round of the DFB Pokal. In total, seven different players found the back of the net in that win, including new signings Boniface and Hofmann. Meanwhile, Amine Adil, Jeremie Frimpong, and Adam Hiozek also found the net.
RB Leipzig recovered from a slow start to the season last term to finish third in the overall standings. However, they will be looking to improve on that showing and put down a title challenge this term. That could be difficult following the departure of Christopher Nkunku, but the big-money arrivals of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda will be tasked with replacing his goals.
Leipzig made a stunning start to their domestic campaign last weekend, as they landed a huge 3-0 win in the DFL Supercup against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Dani Olmo was in inspired form in that showpiece, as the Spanish star scored a stunning hat-trick against the reigning German champions.
Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig Head to Head
Leverkusen won the previous fixture between these two sides by a 2-0 scoreline in April 2023. That win ended a two-match losing streak against Leipzig, which included an away win for the visitors at BayArena in April 2022.
Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig Prediction
This is a really interesting opening match in the Bundesliga, and both sides have realistic chances of finishing the campaign in a Champions League spot. However, it could be challenging to overlook Leipzig after their stunning start to the domestic season against Bayern Munich last Saturday.
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