Verdict: Both teams to score in the first-half
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to punch their spot in the final of this season’s DFP Pokal on Wednesday night, newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich will travel to Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have marked their return from March’s international break with consecutive Bundesliga victories, Kasper Hjulmand’s side came crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity on Saturday as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home against Augsburg, the former Denmark boss is desperately searching for some crucial stability. Watching their Champions League adventure come to an end earlier in the month as they were hit with a 3-1 aggregate loss against Arsenal, Leverkusen have won just a pair of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, facing what will certainly be a monumental challenge on Wednesday night, Hjulmand’s men have mustered just a sole win from their last six showdowns at the BayArena – a rut that stems back to February 14th.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Suffering a hamstring injury against Heidenheim prior to March’s international break, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be without former Rennes star Martin Terrier. Likewise, Brazilian defender Arthur is still recovering from a muscle injury and won’t play any part here.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Augsburg over the weekend and now registering five goals in his previous six appearances for club and country, Czech Republic International Patrik Schick should keep his spot leading the line.
Bayern Munich
As for the visitors, officially defending their Bundesliga crown over the weekend as they secured an action-packed 4-2 victory at home against Stuttgart, Bayern Munich have rightfully received a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Retaining their domestic title at a canter this season and not having to get out of third gear, Vincent Kompany’s superstar squad find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Storming their way to a Champions League semi-final ticket earlier in the month as they claimed a thumping 6-4 aggregate win against Spanish icons Real Madrid, the former Burnley boss has his sights set on completing a famous silverware sweep over the coming weeks. It should also be noted, Munich have not suffered a single domestic defeat on their travels so far this season.
Bayern Munich Team News
Suffering what is reportedly set to be a season-ending thigh injury against Real Madrid last week, German international Serge Gnabry won’t play any part here. Likewise, missing out against Stuttgart over the weekend with a recent calf issue, Bayern are expected to be without 20-year-old Tom Bischof.
Coming off the bench and bagging a 32nd Bundesliga strike of the season on Saturday, Ballon d’Or contender and England skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Bayern’s attack. Handed a full rest over the weekend, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will return between the sticks.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich last met at the BayArena on March 14th, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- Officially retaining their Bundesliga crown over the weekend, Bayern have not suffered a single domestic defeat away from the Allianz this season.
- England skipper Harry Kane has registered 32 goals in his 27 Bundesliga appearances this season.
- Bayer Leverkusen have mustered just a sole win from their last six showdowns at the BayArena – a rut that stems back to February 14th.
- Each of Leverkusen’s last five consecutive home fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Officially defending their Bundesliga crown over the weekend thanks to an action-packed 4-2 victory against Stuttgart, Bayern Munich are riding a major wave of momentum. Storming their way to the Champions League semi-finals last week as they claimed a famous 6-4 aggregate win against Spanish giants Real Madrid, Kompany’s side have gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. With a real party atmosphere in their camp, we could be treated to a DFP Pokal classic from the BayArena.
Verdict: Both teams to score in the first-half
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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