Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have suddenly made it to the top of the Bundesliga table after the first three weeks of the 2023-24 campaign. They’re hoping to stay there longer, but that’s easier said than done when they’re up against the defending champions next.
With three wins each, Die Werkself are actually level with Bayern Munich with nine points apiece, easily making this Friday clash at the Allianz Arena the pick of the litter for matchday 4.
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are aiming to stay undefeated. However, only one of them can stay perfect after this weekend’s set of games.
Talking Points
Tel relishes opportunity at Bayern
Harry Kane is not the only one basking in the Bayern Munich spotlight, as Mathys Tel has also embraced the challenge. The 18-year-old is doing well as Kane’s understudy, already scoring two goals in their first three Bundesliga matches.
At 17 years and 136 days, Tel became the youngest-ever Bundesliga scorer in Bayern Munich history when he netted against VfB Stuttgart last year.
And he also has an insane minutes-per-goal ratio of 67, which is already better than the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. Yes, the sample size is small, but it also says a lot about Tel’s efficiency and high potential.
Tel won’t be starting for Bayern Munich anytime soon, except maybe for Cup games, but he is expected to be the first man to come off the bench if the Bavarians need an additional scoring punch.
In other news, Thomas Tuchel will likely maintain the same starting XI against Bayer Leverkusen this weekend.
Thomas Muller made his first start of the campaign, and he may start again if Jamal Musiala is unfit to play. Musiala reportedly sat out Germany’s friendlies due to a back issue.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-Jae has been inserted into the starting lineup to pair him with Dayot Upamecano at centre-half since Matthijs de Ligt has slipped down the defencive pecking order.
Leverkusen found their gem in Boniface
Bayer Leverkusen continue to get better under Xabi Alonso because they’ve been scoring goals for fun. And leading the way in that regard is Victor Boniface.
In his first three Bundesliga matches since arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise this summer, Boniface has now notched four goals to lead the team in scoring. The 22-year-old Nigerian striker also has a commendable minutes-per-goal ratio of 61.
We should’ve seen this coming from Boniface after he finished as the joint-top scorer with Marcus Rashford in the 2022-23 Europa League (6 goals). Boniface going up against a seasoned veteran in Kane is another reason why we shouldn’t miss this game between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso will be confident of his chances to get back-to-back wins over his former club, as besides Boniface, he also has other weapons like Amine Adli, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Jonas Hofmann.
History
Bayer Leverkusen managed to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1 in their last meeting in March. That was Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match under Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked during the international break and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Die Werkself have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Bavarians. Since the beginning of 2012, Bayer Leverkusen have recorded six league wins against Bayern Munich (in 23 matches), which is only second behind Borussia Monchengladbach (W9) during that time period.
Bayer Leverkusen are back on top of the Bundesliga table for the first time since the 12th matchday of the 2020-21 season. They have managed to win their first three games of the season for the first time since 2013-14.
Goals are to be expected in this contest, as Bayern Munich have scored in each of their past 33 league home matches against Bayer Leverkusen. The last time they failed to do so was in a 1-0 loss in October 1989.
Betting Tip
Bayern Munich are the favourites to win this game, according to the SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds. They are at 1.57 odds to win, while Bayer Leverkusen are underdogs at 4.40, and a draw is at 4.30 in the 1X2 market.
Choosing the winner between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen is a tough call. But one thing’s for sure: football fans at the Allianz Arena are going to get their dose of Bundesliga 2023 highlights. We’re going to swing for the fences and choose Over 3.25 at 1.62 as our recommended bet. But if you’re planning to be on the safe side, Total Goal 2-3 at 2.39 is not a bad idea.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
