Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund

One of the most highly anticipated fixtures on the Bundesliga calendar pits Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund against each other at the BayArena.

Bayer Leverkusen’s form at the start of the new campaign has exceeded all expectations, with Xabi Alonso’s side heading into proceedings as the Bundesliga leaders, having dropped points just once in 12 league outings (W11, D1). Since a dramatic 2-2 draw at perennial champions Bayern Munich in September, ‘Die Werkself’ have won eight consecutive top-flight matches, contributing to the joint-best start by any side at this stage of a Bundesliga season. Too hot to handle in the front third, Leverkusen boast the division’s second-best scoring record, with only Bayern (43) bettering their tally of 37 goals! Despite resting numerous first-team stars in midweek Europa League action, Alonso oversaw a comfortable 2-0 win at Hacken, which maintained Leverkusen’s perfect European record this term.

Like their hosts, Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a morale-boosting European foray in midweek, thumping AC Milan 3-1 on the road to become the first side to progress from the Champions League group of death. However, things aren’t going well for ‘Die Borussen’ in the Bundesliga as they had gone winless in three consecutive league games (D1, L2) before performing a sensational comeback to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 last weekend despite trailing 2-0 inside the opening 30 minutes. Edin Terzic’s men have blown hot and cold on the road this season, registering just two wins on their five Bundesliga travels (D2, L1). That’s not to mention they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet on the road, which hardly bodes well for their bid to post a third consecutive away league win against Leverkusen.