Bayer Leverkusen will face a challenge from Eintracht Frankfurt’s consistently scoring attack.
Time & Venue
- Time: 13:30, October 19th, Saturday
- Venue: BayArena
Form
Bayer Leverkusen is currently 3 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s team (5th place) will host Eintracht Frankfurt (3rd place) at BayArena in the 7th round of the 2024/25 Bundesliga.
Alonso’s squad enters this weekend’s match after two consecutive draws and will be facing an opponent unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. Bayer’s form has been inconsistent in the first six rounds of the new season.
The number of goals conceded has been a challenge for Xabi Alonso, as Bayer has let in 12 goals just before the October international break.
Conceding two goals after leading 2-0 against newly promoted Holstein Kiel highlighted Bayer’s defensive weakness, as Die Werkself lost focus against Kiel, reminiscent of their 2-3 defeat to Leipzig in late August.
Leverkusen’s defensive frailty has been particularly evident at BayArena, where they have conceded 8 of their 12 goals this season.
On the other side, Eintracht Frankfurt has also conceded more than two goals in their last two Bundesliga matches. However, Dino Toppmöller’s team remains among the top three strongest teams this season, thanks to their offense, which is the 4th best in the league.
Frankfurt’s scoring ability is evident as they’ve found the net in every match since their 0-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on opening day. Toppmöller’s team is expected to continue their scoring streak against the reigning champions.
Squads
- Bayer Leverkusen: Florian Wirtz suffered an ankle injury while playing for Germany, and his fitness remains in question. Unless any last-minute injuries occur, Xabi Alonso will have a nearly full-strength squad.
- Eintracht Frankfurt: Kevin Trapp is sidelined with a thigh injury, and Robin Koch is struggling with a hip injury.
Marcel Wenig is recovering from an ACL injury, while Oscar Højlund is out for several months due to a broken leg.
Expected Lineups
Statistics
- Bayer Leverkusen has won all 10 of their last home matches against Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions.
- Bayer Leverkusen has remained unbeaten in 37 of their last 38 Bundesliga matches.
- Bayer Leverkusen has scored at least 3 goals in 9 of their last 10 home matches against Eintracht Frankfurt (in all competitions).
Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt had won four consecutive matches before drawing 3-3 with Bayern just before the October FIFA break.
Xabi Alonso’s team faces a challenge as they currently sit 5th in the Bundesliga after losing a two-goal lead in the first half against newly promoted Kiel in their most recent match.
Leverkusen comfortably defeated Frankfurt in both fixtures last season and could win again at home in this match.
Score Prediction (via Whoscored): Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Eintracht Frankfurt