In what promises to be an electrifying encounter, league leaders Bayern Munich are set to host defending champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday, September 28. Here’s a detailed look at the lineups, team news, and predictions for this pivotal Bundesliga match.
Kickoff Time and How to Watch
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. local time in Munich, which translates to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 11:30 a.m. Central Time, 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time, and 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time in the United States. For U.S. viewers, the game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and the ESPN App, as it is not scheduled for live TV broadcast.
Team News and Lineups
#### Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, under new manager Vincent Kompany, has started the season impressively with four wins in four matches. However, they will be without several key players due to injuries. Mathys Tel, Sacha Boey, Josip Stanisic, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Hiroki Ito, and Tarek Buchmann are all expected to miss the game. Additionally, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's status is uncertain due to a hip injury, with Sven Ulreich ready to start in his place if needed.
The predicted lineup for Bayern Munich is:
- Ulreich (GK) — Mazraoui, Kim, De Ligt, Davies — Kimmich, Goretzka — Sane, Muller, Coman — Kane.
- Alternatively, another source suggests: Ulreich; Kimmich, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Palhinha, Pavlović, Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane.
Star striker Harry Kane, who has been in fine form with nine goal contributions this season, will spearhead the Bayern attack.
#### Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, comes into the match with a full squad available. The team is riding momentum after back-to-back wins against TSG Hoffenheim and VfL Wolfsburg. Victor Boniface, who scored crucially in the 4-3 win over Wolfsburg, and Florian Wirtz will be the key figures in the Leverkusen attack.
The predicted lineup for Bayer Leverkusen is:
- Hradecky (GK) — Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba — Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo — Hofmann, Boniface, Wirtz.
- Alternatively, another source suggests: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, García, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface.
Predictions and Momentum
Both teams are in strong form heading into the match. Bayern Munich has been dominant, scoring 13 goals in their last three league matches and conceding just once against Holstein Kiel. Leverkusen, despite suffering their first Bundesliga loss in 35 matches against RB Leipzig on August 31, has bounced back with two consecutive wins.
Given the current form and the absence of key players for Bayern, the match is expected to be closely contested. While Bayern looks like a well-oiled machine, Leverkusen's full-strength squad and recent momentum make them a formidable opponent. Predictions vary, with some suggesting a Bayern win (Bayern 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen), while others anticipate a draw (Bayern Munich 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen).
Historical Context and Managerial Insights
This match marks a significant test for Vincent Kompany, who is aiming to restore Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga after their 11-year streak was broken last season. Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen, on the other hand, is determined to defend their title and maintain their position near the top of the table.
As Kompany noted, this match will be a crucial challenge for his team, highlighting the competitive spirit and the high stakes involved in this top-of-the-table clash.
Conclusion
The Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen match promises to be an exciting and closely fought encounter, with both teams boasting strong lineups and significant momentum. The absence of key players for Bayern adds an extra layer of complexity, making the outcome harder to predict. Fans and viewers can expect a thrilling match as these two Bundesliga powerhouses clash at the Allianz Arena.
