Bayer Leverkusen vs Heidenheim preview: Champions in need of post-international reset

Bayer Leverkusen

The international break came at an ideal time for Xabi Alonso, as his Bayer Leverkusen side have struggled, winning just once in their last six games across all competitions, with four draws and one loss during that stretch.

Leverkusen have also drawn their last three Bundesliga matches, and the 1-1 draw against Bochum will be particularly frustrating. Despite taking the lead in the 18th minute, they conceded a late equaliser in the 89th minute.

Defensively, Leverkusen have recorded five clean sheets in their 17 matches this season, although they had the same number of shutouts after the first ten games of the 2023-24 campaign.

While their defensive performances have left much to be desired, concerns may also be growing about their attack, having scored just once in their last three matches.

Despite dropping points in six of their 10 Bundesliga games this season, Leverkusen still hold a strong home record at the BayArena, with just one loss in their last 34 matches there, winning 27 times.

Team News

Leverkusen forward Amine Adli remains sidelined due to a broken leg and is not expected to return until March 2025. In his absence, Martin Terrier could be called upon in the forward line, while Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface are strong contenders to start.

In defence, Leverkusen will be missing Jeanuel Belocian and Nordi Mukiele until early December. As a result, manager Xabi Alonso is likely to field a back three consisting of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie.

Heidenheim

Heidenheim will enter their clash with Bayer Leverkusen, having scored only once against Wolfsburg despite generating 2.42 xG, well above Wolfsburg's xG of 1.50. The visitors created five big chances in that match, a notable improvement after managing just 19 big chances in their previous nine Bundesliga games.

Manager Frank Schmidt described the loss as bitter and will be concerned by his team's struggles in front of goal, as they have scored only twice in their last five matches.

In their most recent five fixtures, Heidenheim have won just once, losing three times and drawing once. In fact, they have won only one of their last seven Bundesliga matches, suffering six defeats during that stretch.

Their away form is also worrying, with three losses in their last four league games. However, they did secure a 2-0 victory over Hearts in the Conference League in their most recent away match on November 7.

Team News

For Heidenheim, midfielders Julian Niehues, Thomas Leon Keller, and Luka Janes will all be unavailable, so Frank Schmidt may opt to start Lennard Maloney, Jan Schöppner, and Niklas Dorsch in midfield in their absence.

Right-back Marnon-Thomas Busch is also unlikely to return until early next month, meaning Haktab Omar Traore will continue in the right-back position. Traore could be partnered in a back four by centre-backs Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber, with Jonas Föhrenbach filling the left-back role.