Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Can Die Werkself continue their winning run?
Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to record their fourth consecutive Bundesliga victory when they face Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.
| Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Gladbach
In their first season under Daniel Farke, Gladbach have experienced a mixed campaign, picking up 22 points from 15 games. Die Fohlen only lost two of their opening 10 league matches, but three of their next five league matches ended in defeat.
Farke's side did manage to finish 2022 on a positive note, though, claiming a 4-2 home victory over Borussia Dortmund. Impressively, Gladbach have won six of their eight home league matches this season, scoring 20 goals in that period - only three teams have scored more home goals in the Bundesliga this term.
Following Saturday's results, Gladbach head into Sunday's contest in eighth place with four points separating them from sixth place. As the hosts target European qualification, they will be keen to begin 2023 with a third consecutive home victory.
Team News
Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin will be given his debut after joining the club from Montpellier, following Yann Sommer's transfer to Bayern. Farke has indicated Marcus Thuram will need to be assessed ahead of Sunday's contest, while Yvandro Borges Sanches is sidelined through injury.
Leverkusen
After winning one of their opening eight league games, Leverkusen decided it was time for a change of manager. Gerardo Seoane was replaced by Xabi Alonso, who began his tenure with one win in four Bundesliga matches, but his side started to hit their straps in their final few games of 2022.
Die Werkself rounded off the Hinrunde with three consecutive victories, and they will be aiming to pick up where they left off. They head into Sunday's game in 12th place, with three points separating them from the bottom three, while they are eight points adrift of the top six.
With Leverkusen aiming to secure a fourth consecutive victory, they will take inspiration from the fact that they have won their last five Bundesliga meetings against Gladbach, scoring two goals or more in four of those games.
Team News
Alonso has stated that Florian Wirtz could start against Gladbach following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, the visitors are unable to call upon the services of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Charles Aranguiz, Joshua Eze and Patrik Schick.