Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen continue their title defence on Saturday as they host Holstein Kiel at the BayArena for their sixth league game of the season.
Leverkusen currently sit fourth with 10 points, having drawn 1-1 in a tense match against Bayern München on September 28.
In their draw with Bayern, Xabi Alonso’s side saw only 31% possession, managed less than 0.1 expected goals (x/G), and failed to create any significant chances. Alonso praised his team’s discipline under pressure despite Bayern’s dominance throughout the game.
Leverkusen bounced back with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in their recent Champions League outing, with Victor Boniface scoring the decisive goal in the 51st minute. This victory marked their fourth win in five matches since their 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig on August 31. During this run, they’ve scored 14 goals and conceded five.
Leverkusen have also been strong at home, winning 23, drawing four, and losing just one of their last 28 matches at BayArena. However, they have only managed three wins in their last six home games, with two draws and one loss.
Alonso’s side has no significant injury concerns, with the Spaniard likely able to choose from a fully fit squad. Defenders Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie, who have started five of the last six games together, are expected to feature again.
