Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hamburg SV – Bundesliga Preview
Bundesliga clubs, Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg SV, will be locking heads on Saturday, May 07, for the final time this season at BayArena. There is not much at stake for both teams as Borussia Dortmund have already been crowned champions and it’s just a matter
of who can finish-off the season in style.
Bayer Leverkusen
The Werkself are currently second in the League table with 64 points and would like to end their campaign on a high. Jupp Heynckes side have been consistent throughout the season, both at home and away.
Of the 19 wins this season, nine have come while playing at home. Three of the six losses have also come at home to go along with four draws out of a total number of six. They have been quite decent, if not water-tight, in the defence so far this season,
conceding 43 goals.
In their last five games, the Factory Squad have appeared rusty, winning only twice and losing the other three games. It also included a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Hamburg SV
Hamburg are eighth in the table with 43 points and there is nothing to lose for manager Michael Oenning’s side. The Rothosen have had a very turbulent season, winning 12 but losing 13 games to go along with seven draws.
Their away form has been far from impressive as they have notched up only five of their total 12 wins on their travels. Eight of their 13 loses have also come while playing away from home.
The Red Shorts have been shaky in defence, conceding 50 goals so far – more than they themselves have scored. In their last five games, Hamburg managed just three points from a possible 15, which indicates their recent decline in form.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen
The Werkself are expected to go in with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Stefan Kiebling will play as a lone striker while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Schwaab-c10067 will guard the central defence, while Rene Adler will start
in goal for the home side.
There are no major injury concerns for Jupp Heynckes and has the privilege of choosing his team from the full available squad. The only selection decision yet to be made is whether http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Simon-Rolfes-c33564 would accompany Arturo Vidal in central midfield.
Hamburg SV
The visitors are likely to field in the famous 4-4-2 formation. Anis Ben-Hatira and Jose http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Rost-c14103 will guard the
net for the Red Shorts.
Hamburg’s injury list is too long and the manager will be without the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 is suspended for the game, which could see
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Piotr-Trochowski-c30046 taking his place in the starting XI.
Players to Watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arturo-Vidal-c6760 would play a key role for the Werkself in a midfield role as he has been the best Leverkusen player for the entire season. The Chilean has recorded 10 goals from 30 appearances and would like to add to his tally when the Werkself host Hamburg
on Saturday.
Piotr Trochowski would play a key role for the Rothosen. The German has been continuously sidelined by his manager of late and would desperately want to prove himself in front of his boss. He has two goals under his belt this season from 21 appearances and
Hamburg would want the playmaker to create openings for his strike force.
Prediction
Leverkusen are highly likely to notch up a win over their struggling opponents to finish second behind Dortmund. A 3-1 is certainly not out of question for the home side.
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