Xabi Alonso calls Bayern vs. Leverkusen 'the toughest game of the season'
Get ready for a top-of-the-table showdown as Bayern Munich, boasting a perfect record, host reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen in a potentially season-defining clash at the Allianz Arena this Saturday.
FC Bayern München
Table-topping Bayern Munich will return in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against 2nd-placed Bayer Leverkusen, following last weekend’s demolition of Werder Bremen in a 5-0 win. The Bavarians have 12 points [4W, 0D, 0L] as the only side in the Bundesliga with a 100% record, having won all four BL games this season.
Bayern would be keen to pick up five opening victories when they host current champions and title rivals Leverkusen in what could eventually become a title decider. This will be their first game against a reigning Bundesliga champion since matchday 32 of 2012/13 when they earned a 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund.
With 16 goals this season, Bayern will be hoping to see their razor-sharp attack come to play against Leverkusen, who also have no problems of their own in the final third. While sitting in first place, Bayern haven’t lost any of their last 16 Bundesliga games against a club in second [11W, 5D, 0L]. They will be hoping to keep the impeccable record in place when Leverkusen visits the Allianz Arena.
'The goals are a consequence of our style of play,' said Thomas Müller, who remains wary of Leverkusen’s threat. 'Every time you play against Leverkusen, you come up against really tough opponents. They can play football, they can endure pain, they have a mentality, and they never give up. Whenever Leverkusen need another goal, they keep knocking on the door until someone opens it, so the game will be exciting right up to the last minute,’ he added.
A 4—2—3—1 with Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane [5 goals] in attack is expected.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Once again, Bayer Leverkusen showed their resilience in a 4-3 comeback win over Wolfsburg in last weekend’s seven-goal thriller in front of their home crowd.
Saturday’s top-of-the-table heavyweight clash against Bayern Munich will be the sternest test yet for Xabi Alonso’s side. While victory would only see them level on points with Bayern, it would give the defending champions a four-game unbeaten run against the hosts, having escaped defeat in the last three encounters [2W, 1D, 0L].
'Perhaps we face the toughest game of the season in the Bundesliga,' said Xabi Alonso. 'Games at the Allianz Arena are tough, and it's always been like that. We have a clear approach to the game; we can't be too hesitant, and we mustn't allow big gaps. We need an almost perfect performance if we want to get a result in Munich,' Alonso added.
A 3-4-3 formation with last weekend’s hero Victor Boniface, alongside Florian Wirtz and Martin Terrier, in attack is expected.
Team form
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