Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich | OneFootball

The late kick-off on Saturday could go a long way in deciding the title. After B04’s draw to VfL Wolfsburg last week, they can’t afford to lose against league leaders Bayern. If they do, the reigning champions will be 11 points behind Bayern with 12 games to go. Though a lot can happen in 12 games, you feel it could be completely out of Leverkusen’s hands.

B04 have the benefit of being rested for the full week. Bayern travelled to Glasgow midweek in their first of two games against Celtic to determine who goes through to the Last 16 in the Champions League. Bayern won the match 2-1 with goals from Micheal Olise and Harry Kane.

Asked if Saturday’s game feels like a final to Leverkusen, head coach Xabi Alonso was quick to downplay the occasion:

In the reverse fixture in Munich, B04 played very defensively, rode their luck at times, and came away with a draw. On the face of it, Bayern would have been the more disappointed of the two teams from that particular game.

Alonso isn’t blind to Bayern’s strength but is also determined to play his own way at the BayArena:

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen have very nearly a full squad to pick from. The only absentee is the long-term injury to Jeanuel Belocian, who is out for the remainder of the season. Xabi Alonso is likely to make a couple of changes from last weekend’s 0-0 draw to Wolfsburg. Florian Wirtz is almost guaranteed to start, while Patrik Schick may also be brought back into the starting XI.

Bayern Munich

Bayern will be without Alphonso Davies and goalkeeper Daniel Peretz this weekend, while Serge Gnabry did not train with the team on Friday afternoon. A possible doubt for the game, Gnabry’s availability has not been confirmed yet. Raphael Guerreiro played left-back midweek against Celtic and will mostly play there again this weekend. Bayern may also be able to count on Hiroki Ito, who played for the first time since returning from injury on Wednesday evening.

GGFN | Jamie Allen