On Sunday, September 21, the Bundesliga‘s fourth round features a match between Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Kickoff is at 17:30 Central European Time. Here’s a preview and prediction for the game.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach: Match Preview
This summer, Bayer Leverkusen lost several key players, notably Xabi Alonso, who took over at Real Madrid. The team is still searching for capable replacements, leading to a rough start in the season. They lost 1-2 to Hoffenheim in their opening match and then drew 3-3 against Werder Bremen. During the international break, the club decided to change coaches, appointing Julian Nagelsmann to replace Erik ten Hag. Under Nagelsmann, Leverkusen secured their first win, triumphing 3-1 over Eintracht. In the UEFA Champions League, Bayer started with a 2-2 draw against Copenhagen.
Borussia Mönchengladbach also made a coaching change after a poor beginning. They opened with a goalless draw against Bundesliga newcomers Hamburg and followed it with a 0-1 loss to Stuttgart, along with a heavy 0-4 defeat at home to Werder Bremen. For this upcoming match, Eugen Polanski will act as caretaker head coach.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Borussia Mönchengladbach has not won any of their last ten official matches.
- Bayer Leverkusen has secured just one win in their last four games.
- Bayer has scored at least once in their last five matches.
- In their last encounter, Bayer defeated Borussia 3-1.
Probable Lineups
- Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba; Vazquez, Tillman, García, Grimaldo; Tella, Ben Seghir; Schick
- Borussia Mönchengladbach: Nicolas; Scally, Elvedi, Diks, Ullrich; Reitz, Sander; Honorat, Reyna, Hack; Machino.
Prediction
Both teams have had shaky starts and made coaching changes. This match is vital for both Bayer and Borussia. A reasonable bet is over 3 goals at odds of 1.6.