By OkayGoal 
Verdict: Michael Olise over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Simply looking to take another giant leap towards this season’s Bundesliga crown, Bayern Munich will travel to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, suffering major last-gasp Champions League heartbreak on Wednesday evening as they eventually had to settle for a controversial 1-1 stalemate against English high-flyers Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen will know the importance of immediately dusting themselves down. However, facing what will certainly be another heavyweight challenge here, Kasper Hjulmand’s camp have shown some worrying inconstancies over the past month. Suffering more late frustration last weekend as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Freiburg, Leverkusen have now registered just a sole win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Hit with a 3-0 drumming when they travelled to Munich back in November, Hjulmand’s side are once again pencilled in as a real underdog contender.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
While former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken might have once again missed out against Arsenal on Wednesday evening, the Dutch international has returned to training and could make a first appearance since the middle of January. However, former Real Madrid superstar Lucas Vazquez is still dealing with a calf injury.
Making a speedy return from a muscle issue, Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick should get some more minutes under his belt. Gaining plenty of plaudits since arriving from Liverpool last summer, England international Jarrell Quansah will start at the heart of Leverkusen’s defence.
Bayern Munich
As for the visitors, getting their Champions League Round of 16 adventure underway with a sensational performance on foreign soil, Bayern Munich have only continued to gain a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Breezing their way to a 6-1 romp away at Atalanta, Vincent Kompany’s superstar squad are riding a major wave of momentum. Set to retain their Bundesliga crown at a canter this season, the German giants who hold a commanding 11-point buffer at the top of the table and they will simply be looking to make another blockbuster domestic statement here. Getting March underway with a routine 4-1 victory at home against Borussia Monchengladbach, the former Burnley boss has seen his runaway leaders suffer just a single Bundesliga defeat so far this season.
Bayern Munich Team News
Missing out away in Italy on Tuesday night with a reported calf issue, Bayern Munich are once again expected to be without veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer this weekend. While the duo of Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise might be set to serve respective European suspensions, both are free to feature here.
Handed a full Champions League rest in midweek, the record-breaking Harry Kane could be handed a full recall. Already announcing that he will be leaving Munich at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, German international Leon Goretzka could start in the middle of the park.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich met for their reverse Bundesliga battle on November 1st, the reigning German champions claimed a 3-0 victory at the Allianz.
- Bayern have won all of their previous three meetings against Saturday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 8-0.
- Kompany’s side have not conceded a single strike against Bayer Leverkusen in almost 400 minutes of action.
- England skipper Harry Kane has recorded 30 goals in his 24 Bundesliga appearances this season.
- Including their Champions League frustration in midweek, Leverkusen have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
With their sights set on completing an iconic silverware sweep in 2026, Bayern Munich are enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch. Storming their way to a stunning 6-1 romp away at Atalanta earlier in the week, the reigning German champions have rightfully gained a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Likewise, landing a routine 3-0 victory when they welcomed Leverkusen to Munich back in November, it is no surprise why Kompany’s high-flying squad are pencilled in as a standout contender.
Verdict: Michael Olise over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet