Bayer Leverkusen welcome Heidenheim to the BayArena on Saturday afternoon as they look to build on European success and get back on track in the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen are looking to get back to winning ways in the Bundesliga.Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen were dealt a setback last weekend after falling 3-0 to Bayern Munich, but Kasper Hjulmand’s side responded immediately with a composed Champions League victory at Benfica on Wednesday. A 1-0 win in Lisbon made it three victories from their last four matches in all competitions and ensured momentum remains intact heading into the weekend.
Die Werkself sit on 17 points from their opening nine games – a solid return that includes just two league defeats – while their attacking output remains among the best in the division. With the Bundesliga’s third-highest goalscoring record, Leverkusen will expect to impose themselves heavily against one of the league’s weakest defences.
Team News
Hjulmand remains without midfielder Ezequiel Fernández, who has missed the last three matches with a knee problem, while Exequiel Palacios is still recovering from a groin injury. Axel Tapé (hamstring) and Nathan Tella (knee) are also unavailable.
Predicted lineup – 3-4-2-1: Flekken – Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba – Arthur, Garcia, Andrich, Grimaldo – Poku, Maza – Schick
Heidenheim
Heidenheim arrive at the BayArena with just five points from nine matches and firmly entrenched in the early relegation battle. Despite that, Frank Schmidt’s position remains unshakeable after 18 years at the club – a spell in which he guided them from the fifth tier to Europe.
Though results remain elusive, recent performances suggest Heidenheim are not far from turning the tide. They earned a gritty 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend and pushed Stuttgart and Werder Bremen close in the weeks prior.
Still, Schmidt’s side remain winless in five Bundesliga outings and possess one of the league’s poorest defensive records – a worrying combination ahead of a trip to one of Germany’s strongest attacking units.
Team news
Heidenheim continue to be without forward Sirlord Conteh, who remains sidelined with a knee issue. Goalkeeper Frank Feller and defender Leart Paqarada are also out with knee injuries.
Predicted lineup – 4-4-2: Ramaj – Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Föhrenback – Ibrahimovic, Niehues, Schöppner, Honsak – Schimmer, Zivzivadze
