Robin Dutt’s Bayer Leverkusen will take on Bayern Munich in their next Bundesliga clash as they prepare for the second-leg clash against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 in the UEFA Champions League knock-out stage. The hosts have been in good form after impressive wins recently against FC Koln and FC Augsburg whereas Bayern Munich are coming from an inspiring 2-0 win over Schalke at Allianz Arena.
The reverse fixture between the two sides at Allianz Arena in September last year ended in a 3-0 win for the Bavarian giants as Thomas Muller, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arjen-Robben-c6521 scored a goal each to claim all three points for their side.
Bayer Leverkusen
Werkself have had a disappointing season overall after they finished the previous season just behind Borussia Dortmund in second place. The club currently sit in fifth place with 37 points and are a staggering 15 points behind league leaders, Borussia Dortmund.
The Rhine side, however, have been impressive after the winter break as they have lost only one of the six league games played with the only loss coming against Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich
The Bavarian giants had a sensational first-half of the campaign and went into the winter break as the leaders of the league but their form after the one-month break has been dismal as they slipped to third on the table two weeks back. However, a win against Schalke last week ensured them the second spot and should be a major confidence booster ahead of the game against Leverkusen.
Jupp Heynckes’ men are in a must win situation if they want to remain on the heels of Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the season.
Team News
The home side will be without former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sidney-Sam-c33476 as the duo is out with respective muscular injuries.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lars-Bender-c21663
The German international was in sensational form last week as he put in a match winning display by scoring twice against Koln. He has been one of the most impressive players in Leverkusen’s rather rollercoaster campaign this term.
Arjen Robben
The former Real Madrid player returned back to form with a bang as he scored a brace against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 at the Wembley. Robben has been under scrutiny for his playing style for the past few weeks but the player proved that he can rise to the occasion when it matters.
Prediction
The home side have been in some great touch off-late and their defence has been the highly impressive as they have conceded only once in the last two league games. Leverkusen will be hoping to hold on to the ball for most of the first-half to put further pressure on Bayern so that the visiting side are forced to make a mistake.
On the other hand, Bayern cannot afford any slip ups as they are already four points adrift of Borussia Dortmund with only 11 games to go. It could turn out to be any one’s game but I would go for 1-1 a draw.
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