On August 31, 2024, the Bayer Arena will be the stage for an electrifying Bundesliga clash as reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen take on RB Leipzig.
Both teams are eager to maintain their perfect start to the 2024-25 season, making this encounter a pivotal early-season showdown.
With Leverkusen boasting a remarkable unbeaten streak and Leipzig looking to capitalize on their recent form, fans can expect an intense battle between two of Germany’s top footballing sides.
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen heads into this match with a solid foundation laid in their recent performances.
After a narrow 1-0 victory against Carl Zeiss Jena in the DFB-Pokal, where they dominated possession with 75% and took 16 shots, the champions will be looking to translate that dominance into a more decisive scoreline against Leipzig.
Despite the close call in the cup, Leverkusen’s form in the Bundesliga remains impressive, having not lost any of their last 35 league matches, which includes a thrilling 3-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in their season opener.
In contrast, RB Leipzig has also started their campaign strongly, recording a 4-1 victory against Essen in the DFB-Pokal and following it up with a gritty 1-0 win over VfL Bochum in their first Bundesliga match.
They currently enjoy a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, demonstrating their resilience.
However, Leipzig’s defense has been a concern, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 away matches, indicating that they may be vulnerable against a potent Leverkusen attack.
Head to Head
Historically, Bayer Leverkusen has had the upper hand in their recent encounters with RB Leipzig, winning the last three Bundesliga meetings and scoring a total of eight goals in those matches, averaging 2.7 goals per game.
However, it’s important to note that Leipzig has had success at the BayArena, recording three wins and three draws since 2016.
This balance in head-to-head results suggests that while Leverkusen may be favored, Leipzig certainly has the capability to secure a positive outcome.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen will be without midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
His absence will require adjustments in the midfield, but manager Xabi Alonso has a wealth of talent at his disposal to fill the gap.
For RB Leipzig, they will be missing captain Willi Orban due to suspension after receiving a red card in the previous match.
Additionally, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Assan Ouedraogo, and Xaver Schlager are all injured, which could further challenge Leipzig’s defensive setup against a high-flying Leverkusen side.
Prediction
Considering Bayer Leverkusen’s current form and home advantage, they will be keen to maintain their unbeaten streak.
However, with RB Leipzig’s attacking prowess and their recent strong performances, we predict a closely contested match with both teams finding the back of the net.
- Score Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 RB Leipzig
Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score – Yes: Given Leipzig’s defensive vulnerabilities and Leverkusen’s attacking strength, betting on both teams to score is a prudent choice.
Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams capable of offensive fireworks, a bet on over 2.5 total goals is likely to yield favorable results.
Leverkusen to Win or Draw (Double Chance): Given their impressive home form, a double chance bet on Leverkusen to either win or draw offers a safe option.
RB Leipzig to Score Over 1.5 Goals: With their recent scoring form, placing a bet on Leipzig to score more than 1.5 goals could be a profitable strategy.
