Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking consistency in the Bundesliga, an unpredictable RB Leipzig will make the trip to face a Bayer Leverkusen side struggling with form at BayArena this Sunday.

Die Werkself aim to secure two consecutive victories for the first time this season, while Die Roten Bullen seek to build on their recent impressive win.

Match overview

Carles Martinez Novell’s Leverkusen have only succeeded in one of their three league matches thus far, though they will be encouraged by their midweek success in Europe.

Die Werkself began their Bundesliga campaign with a surprising 3-2 loss against promoted side Elversberg, but quickly recovered by defeating Union Berlin 4-0 on September 5.

Supporters hoped for a follow-up to that strong performance, but Martinez Novell’s team required a last-minute equalizer from Patrick Schick to earn a 2-2 draw against Augsburg the following week.

This inconsistency has left Leverkusen sitting seventh in the standings with four points, and returning to winning form could elevate them into the top six.

With this goal in mind, the hosts will gain confidence from their 2-0 victory over NK Celje on Wednesday, marking a solid beginning to their Europa League campaign.

On the other side, Martin Demichelis’s Leipzig have also faced challenges with consistency this season, and the new manager is eager to demonstrate his abilities in what is likely to be the team’s toughest challenge to date.

Die Roten Bullen commenced their Bundesliga season with a solid 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, providing fans with hope for the season ahead.

However, they suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen on September 5, followed by a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, which raised doubts among supporters about Demichelis’s capability.

Upon returning to the top tier last weekend, Leipzig managed to demolish Hamburg SV 5-0 at Red Bull Arena, calming some anxieties.

Currently positioned fifth in the league, Die Roten Bullen are just one point behind the top four, and securing another victory against a strong opponent on Sunday would help bury their recent humiliating defeats.

Team News

Leverkusen will once again be without 17-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, who is receiving treatment for a mitochondrial disorder, while Nathan Tella, who plays a more offensive role, continues to recover from a back injury.

In their absence, Ezequiel Fernandez and Aleix Garcia are expected to form a double pivot, with Ibrahim Maza taking up the number 10 position.

Additionally, right-back options Guela Doue and Montrell Culbreath are unavailable due to calf and foot injuries, respectively, but versatile player Jarell Quansah should be ready to join Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina, and Miguel Gutierrez in the backline.

For Leipzig, they will miss three midfielders this week – Christoph Baumgartner (thigh), Assan Ouedraogo (shoulder), and Rocco Reitz (thigh).

In light of these absences, Demichelis may choose to include Ezechiel Banzuzi, Neil El Aynaoui, and Brajan Gruda in midfield.

Up front, striker Marc Guiu is dealing with a muscle problem, so Christopher Nkunku is expected to lead the attack, supported by Tidiam Gomis and Antonio Nusa.

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI:

Spots; Quansah, Tapsoba, Medina, Gutierrez; Fernandez, Garcia; Diaby, Apple, Mulberry; Schick

RB Leipzig probable starting XI:

Vandevoordt; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Banzuzi, Aynaoui, Gruda; Gomis, Nkunku, Nusa

Leverkusen has struggled with inconsistency, yet they may feel optimistic after displaying resilience to draw against Augsburg, followed by a win midweek.

Leipzig will be eager to continue their momentum after their decisive win over Hamburg, though they could find it challenging to secure all three points on Sunday.