Bayer Leverkusen are set to face Frankfurt on Saturday in the Bundesliga, with the hope of drawing level on points with league leaders Bayern Munich with a win.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have not had the greatest start this season, in terms of defending their Bundesliga title. Eleven points from six games signals a five point drop off from their historic domestic season last year.
With a disappointing 2-2 draw to promoted side Holstein Kiel last time out, they sit outside the top four for the third time since the start of the season at the end of a matchday.
However, not all is as bad as it may seem as Leverkusen still are the second-highest scorers in the league this campaign with sixteen goals. Attacking duo Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface have shared eight of these goals between one another (four each).
Lastly, ahead of the game against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was reported to have said "we cannot continue like this" following the loss of the two-goal lead against Kiel. (Sport Bild)
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt are exceeding expectations this early in the season. With thirteen points and an entertaining draw last time out thanks to Omar Marmoush's late effort they have become a favourite for many to watch.
Egypt international Marmoush has taken the league by storm this season, scoring eight goals in six appearances this season for Die Adler.
Alongside this, he has scored in five consecutive games in the Bundesliga and could potentially break Robert Lewandowski's record of scoring in eleven consecutive fixtures.
However, not all is bright for Frankfurt as they have not won in their last eleven visits to the BayArena dating back to late 2013.
Ahead of the match against Bayer Leverkusen, coach Dino Toppmöller said: "We’re aware we’re playing against the defending German champions. It’s the next big test in store for us. We’re looking forward to this match, it’s always nice to play against the very top teams."
Team news
Bayer 04
Leverkusen have no major injury problems, but Florian Wirtz is touch-and-go for the game on Saturday due to an injury picked up this week during international duty with Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Oscar Højlund is out with injury and Mahmoud Dahoud is a doubt ahead of Saturday's tie.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer 04:
Hrádecký (captain); Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié; Frimpong, García, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Adli; Boniface
Eintracht Frankfurt:
Trapp (c); Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Knauff, Shkiri, Larsson, Nkounkou; Ekitiké, Marmoush
Match Result
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