Having started the New Year with successive defeats to Bayern and Hannover, Borussia M’gladbach will be desperate to return to winning ways when they take on their top 4 rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

Die Werkself finally ended a three-match losing run as they defeated Stuttgart and they now have an excellent chance to make a giant step towards another Champions League qualification.

Not too many people expected to see Borussia among the candidates for top 4 positions, but Lucien Favre’s side once again managed to exceed all expectations.

An excellent finish to the first part of the league campaign saw die Fohlen climb to third place in the overall standings, but the midweek break seem to have ended their momentum.

Borussia were beaten by Bayern Munich and Hannover in the first two matches in 2014, but they, nonetheless, remain just one point behind fourth-placed Schalke.

And with die Fohlen winning eight of ten league matches at home this season, they have been priced at 2.70 (17/10) to win this clash.

Experienced defender Roel Brouwers could return to the side after recovering from a groin problem, but Julian Korb is banned.

Midfielder Havard Nordtveit is likely to deputize at right-back, whilst Granit Xhaka, Martin Stranzl and Christoph Kramer are all one yellow card away from suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen – Nordtveit, Jantschke, Stranzl, Wendt – Kramer, Xhaka – Herrmann, Raffael, Arango – Kruse.

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Bayer Leverkusen have long ago established themselves as one of Germany’s top sides and while they are still unable to launch an assault on the Bundesliga title, they are doing really well to achieve pre-season ambitions.

Led by talented coach Sami Hyypia, die Werkself have climbed to second position in the overall standings and they certainly aim to stay there come end of the season.

Having finished the first part of the season with defeats to Frankfurt and Werder Bremen, Leverkusen were also beaten by Freiburg as the league campaign resumed, but they have since returned to winning ways.

Bayer came from a goal behind to beat Stuttgart at home last weekend and they are now 2.80 (9/5) to claim maximum points in Monchengladbach as well.

January signing Andres Guardado looks set to be handed a debut, whereas Giulio Donati will be preferred to Roberto Hilbert on the other flank.

Stefan Reinartz is doubtful with a groin problem, whereas Robbie Kruse is a long-term casualty and he is unlikely to return this season.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Leno – Donati, Toprak, Spahic, Guardado – Bender, Rolfes, Can – Castro, Kiessling, Son.