Overview
After failing to defend their Bundesliga title last season, Bayern Munich are determined to reclaim the crown. The Bavarian team's ambition was soon confirmed with four wins, scoring a total of 16 goals and leading the rankings. In addition, coach Vincent Kompany's team also defeated Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in their Champions League opening match.
Under Kompany, Bayern Munich still showed impressive attacking power. Main striker Harry Kane alone has scored 10 goals this season, including a hat-trick in the Bundesliga and a poker in the Champions League. New signing Michael Olise also shined with 5 goals. In addition, Jamal Musiala, Gnabry, Muller and Leroy Sane also scored their first goals of the new season.
Meanwhile, reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have largely maintained their strength. Coach Xabi Alonso continues to inspire his players after a successful 2023-2024 season.
Similar to last season, Leverkusen brought fans through special emotions, notably the 4-3 win over Wolfsburg or the 3-2 defeat of Monchengladbach.
No longer a weak Leverkusen every time they meet Bayern Munich with 6/7 losses, Alonso's team is now much more courageous. They even have a better head-to-head record than their opponents. Specifically, Leverkusen won 2, drew 1 against the home team at Allianz Arena in the last 3 confrontations.
Human resources situation
Bayern will be without three key players for this match through injury. New signing Hiroki Ito is yet to make his Bayern debut after breaking his leg. Ito is expected to return in the coming weeks, while Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey are long-term absentees.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer missed the 5-0 win over Werder Bremen with a hip injury. The 39-year-old's availability remains a doubt.
Unlike Bayern, Leverkusen have no injured or suspended players ahead of the match at the Allianz Arena.
Expected lineup:
Bayern Munich: Ulreich, Kimmich, Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Davies, Palhinha, Pavlovic, Olise, Musiala, Coman, Kane.
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo, Terrier, Wirtz, Boniface.
The match between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen takes place at 11:30 p.m. on September 28 (Vietnam time).
