Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig Prediction & Betting Tips (31 August)

Superlatives were often lacking to describe the season achieved by Bayer Leverkusen last year. Practically irresistible, he won the first German championship title in its history by remaining undefeated throughout the year and even achieved the double by winning the final of the German Cup against in Kaiserslautern. Ultimately, his only defeat in all competitions came in the Europa League final against Atalanta 3-0. It will therefore be very difficult to do better for Xabi Alonso's men this season. This did not prevent them from starting this new year well by winning, on penalties, the German Super Cup at home against Stuttgart 2-2 in normal time. Last week, the 11 of the Usine once again showed all its determination by offering, at the very end of the match, its first success in the championship on the field of Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-3.

For its part, the RB Leipzig would undoubtedly like to experience the same crazy trajectory as their opponent of the day but they must win to content and remain in the German top 4 without being able to take the next step and play for the title until the end. Last year, RasenBall Sport finished just off the podium, in 4th position, behind Bayer, Stuttgart and Bayern but ahead of Borussia Dortmund. In a Bundesliga that is more open than ever, Marco Rose's players will perhaps have their say this year, especially since they started with a victory last week on their home field against Bochum 1-0. A week earlier, the Red Bulls had been merciless against Rot-Weiss Essen 1-4.

A few departures should be noted from Bayer Leverkusen, which did not retain Spanish striker Borja Iglesias (Bétis) and defender executive Stanisic (Bayern), who had been loaned for the season. The replacement doorman Pentz (Brondby), the little used Fosu-Mensah (free) and the promising Hlozek (Hoffenheim) also preferred to look elsewhere. At the same time, winger Martin Terrier (Rennes), midfielder Aleix Garcia (Girona), young defender Belocian (Rennes) are committed to the German champion. Otherwise, all the captains of this team remained like the scorer Boniface (14 goals, 8 assists in the Bundesliga last year), from the Czech Schick (7 goals), the excellent Grimaldo (10 goals, 13 assists) and Frimpong (9 goals, 7 assists), midfielders Xhaka and Andrich and the nugget Wirtz (11 goals, 11 assists). Everyone should be available for this poster if not midfielder Palacios (4 goals last season) who is injured. In form at the start of the season, the formidable Wirtz has already distinguished himself by scoring a double last week in Mönchengladbach, including a two-step penalty in added time. The other goal was scored by the Swiss Xhaka with a splendid half-volley. Leipzig, for its part, was forced to let go of the new European champion, Dani Olmo, who flew to FC Barcelona .

He had scored 4 goals and delivered 5 assists in 21 appearances in the league last year. Otherwise, midfielder Mothiba (Celta Vigo, loan) and left-back Lenz (free) also left Saxony. In the other direction, the winger Norwegian Nusa (Club Bruges), the young midfielder Ouédraogo (Schalke 04), and goalkeeper Vandevoort (Genk) has just arrived at the club while Portuguese striker André Silva is back after his loan in Spain. The excellent Xavi Simons (8 goals, 11 assists assists last year) and Loïs Openda (24 goals, 7 assists) are still at the club. A priori, the long-term injured Schlager, the rookie winter Elmas, the young French defender Bitshiabu and hope Ouédraogo will not be able to make the trip to the BayArena. Defensive captain Orban will be suspended after being expelled on the last day. Against Bochum, it was Norwegian recruit Nusa who scored the only goal of the match.