After heading to Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, Bayern Munich will be looking to hold onto the lead in the Bundesliga standings heading into the international break.
Team Form
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen has secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League after defeating Ferencvaros 2-0 in Hungary. They are one of only two German teams remaining in European competitions this season, with their upcoming opponents being the other.
Although they had a rocky start to the season under Gerardo Seoane, who Xabi Alonso replaced in October, Die Werkself still has a chance to secure European qualification via their league position. They are six points behind Eintracht Frankfurt, who is in sixth place.
However, it’s evident that Alonso’s primary focus between now and the end of the season will be on the Europa League. Winning this competition would not only be a significant accomplishment in its own right, but it would also earn the victors automatic qualification for the Champions League, making it a highly desirable prize.
Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga Form: W L D W W
Bayern Munich
Julian Nagelsmann and his Bayern Munich team have complete control over their fate as they compete on three fronts. Bayern has been in superb form lately, winning eight of their last nine games in all competitions. They also secured an entertaining 5-3 victory over their local rivals Augsburg the previous weekend.
Nagelsmann knows that his team must avoid making mistakes against their upcoming opponents on Sunday, as they pose a significant threat. A win will give Bayern much-needed momentum heading into the international break.
After the break, Bayern will have a crucial period in their season. They will be facing Dortmund in a pivotal Der Klassiker clash.
They will then host Freiburg before travelling to Manchester City for the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League. If Bayern can continue its winning streak, it will significantly boost its confidence heading into these critical fixtures.
Bayern Munich Bundesliga Form: W L W W W
Squad Report
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen is facing some injury concerns ahead of their next match. Charles Aranguiz and Andrey Lunev will remain sidelined due to the calf and back issues.
Meanwhile, Patrik Schick, Karim Bellarabi, and Nadiem Amiri are all doubtful for the upcoming match, having missed the trip to Budapest during the week.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will need several key players for their upcoming match. Due to severe leg injuries, Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer will miss the remainder of the season.
Eric Choupo-Moting, who missed last weekend’s victory against Augsburg due to a back problem, may not be available for the upcoming fixture.
Bayer Leverkusen’s predicted starting lineup:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Palacios, Bakker; Diaby, Wirtz; Azmoun
Bayern Munich’s predicted starting lineup:
Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt; Coman, Goretzka, Kimmich, Davies; Musiala, Mane; Muller
Head to Head
Over the years, Bayern Munich and Leverkusen have faced each other 53 times, with Bayern coming out on top in 34 matches.
On the other hand, Leverkusen has managed to secure a win only nine times. The remaining games ended in draws.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, March 19
Time: 04:30 pm, UTC
Venue: BayArena stadium, Leverkusen
Prediction
With both teams boasting a wealth of attacking talent, the match promises to be exciting and closely contested, with both sides seeking to come out on top.
