Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach

January 26, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Weekend in Bundesliga brings a local derby as Borussia Dortmund make a short trip to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday evening, looking to record the first win under Dieter Hecking.

All eyes on Europe

Sitting five points below the European places, Bayer Leverkusen head into the game against Borussia Dortmund eager to build up on the impressive 3-1 victory over Hertha Berlin which helped Leverkusen get off to a great start in the new year. Torpak opened the scoring for Bayer early on in the first half, whereas Calhanoglu’s brace sealed a victory for Schmidt’s men even though Hertha managed to get back in the game through Stocker just a minute from the first-time whistle. Bayer Leverkusen struggled with consistency throughout the season and the forthcoming match will be a good chance for the hosts to nail two Bundesliga wins in a row for the first time since the end of October. Leverkusen have not been particularly successful against Monchengladbach over the last couple of years and here is the chance to record only the second win in six matches.

Aleksandar Dragovic is suffering from a thigh injury, whereas Kevin Volland’s back problem will keep him out on the sidelines. In addition, the hosts will be without Lars Bender due to a foot injury.

An edge over Leverkusen?

There is a seven-point gap between the two local rivals in the standings, but that will not be enough to prevent Gladbach from believing in a victory. Dieter Hecking’s men have won their last two matches with Bayer Leverkusen, suffering only one defeat in last five encounters and will most certainly hope for the good trend to continue. Borussia Monchengladbach are currently enduring mixed fortunes in the league and are struggling to get their feet back on the ground. Sitting in 14th place in the standings, only four points above the relegation zone dwellers, Gladbach will need to up their game in order to replicate at least a small bit of he form they enjoyed not too long ago. Foals have a new coach who drew his first game in change and Hecking will be keen to make an even bigger impression this time out.

Patrick Hermann is coming close to full fitness following an ankle fracture, but the visitors will be without a number of players for the weekend action. Tobias Strobl, Ibrahima Traorfe, Marvin Schulz and Mamadou Doucoure are all ruled out for the occasion.

Verdict

Bayer Leverkusen might have won only one of their last five encounters with Monchengladbach, but still head into the Saturday’s match with a firm favourite tag slapped on his back. Supporting them on a home win might be a wise thing to do.

Top pick: Home win 1.85 (17/20) @Bet365

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes 1.73 (8/11) @Coral

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals 1.83 (5/6) @BetVictor

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