Bayer Leverkusen are just three points from the top of the table in Bayern Munich as they prepare to take on third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena this Saturday in a gameweek seven encounter.
Match preview
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen head into this important game after two straight draws and will come up against a Frankfurt team that has not been defeated in five Bundesliga games. Still, despite the good start to the season, Leverkusen’s campaign has indeed been marred by defensive inconsistencies, having already shipped in 12 goals in just six games.
While the defeat to RB Leipzig in Gameweek two snapped their undefeated streak, Leverkusen still have massive standards to live up to, being the reigning champions of the Bundesliga. Three points behind Bayern Munich-whom they dethroned last season-and that pressure is still on the mantle. Alonso will be more concerned about strengthening the backline, particularly after their recent 2-2 draw against newly promoted Holstein Kiel, where they blew a two-goal advantage.
More worryingly, eight of the twelve goals conceded by Leverkusen so far this season have come at home, which makes the BayArena a fortress less than they would want. Considering that Frankfurt has an awfully strong offense compared to other opponents, one should get ready for a goal-heavy match.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Challenge:
Frankfurt, under Dino Toppmöller, do have their defensive worries too, given they have shipped in nine goals so far this campaign, which is more than any of the top five teams bar Leverkusen. Their recent form has seen high-scoring draws, including a 3-3 draw with Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League and another 3-3 draw with Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
Yet despite defensive lapses, Frankfurt has been potent up front, scoring in every match since their opening-day 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. With 14 league goals, they sit just behind Bayern (20) and Leverkusen (16) in terms of scoring. Frankfurt will be seeking to extend that streak and avoid a fourth straight defeat to Leverkusen.
Recent Form
Leverkusen’s Bundesliga form: WLWWDD
Leverkusen’s form in all competitions: WWWDWD
Frankfurt’s Bundesliga form: LWWWWD
Form in all competitions: Frankfurt – WWDWWD
Team News
Visitors Leverkusen are expected to be without influential playmaker Florian Wirtz, who pulled out of their 1-0 friendly victory over the Netherlands because of an ankle issue. His absence would put more onus on Nigerian forward Victor Boniface, who already netted two match-winning Bundesliga goals for the Werkself this campaign, although he did have a troubled international break with the Super Eagles amid distressing scenes in Libya.
To Frankfurt, Omar Marmoush has been in fine form with two game-winning goals in the Bundesliga. He and Hugo Larsson stand among the top scorers in the league and will look to extend Frankfurt’s attacking success. Visitors, however, are set to be without Oscar Hojlund, who is likely to sit out his ankle injury.
Possible Lineups:
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Adli; Boniface.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp; Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Knauff, Shkiri, Larsson, Nkounkou; Ekitike, Marmoush.
Final Thoughts
Both teams will most probably give it their all in this thrilling match, and goals are likely to be on the card considering the teams’ frailty in the back and prowess in the attack. Leverkusen will be hoping they firm up their rear, while Frankfurt would be seeking to keep the momentum of hitting the back of the net alive as they hope for an upset at BayArena.