Gladbach vs. Leverkusen preview: Seoane’s first game back against Bayer
Talented Leverkusen are off to face a completely rebuilt Gladbach side, who will have a familiar trainer pacing the touchline on Matchday 2.
Gladbach
In classic Gladbach fashion, there was no shortage of entertainment in their chaotic 4-4 draw to Augsburg last weekend. New signing Tomas Cvancara scored a brace, but it wasn’t enough due to several defensive collapses.
It looks like Nathan Ngoumou has finally broken through in a squad with so many fresh faces and chatter behind the scenes. It will undoubtedly be a lively affair at Borussia-Park on Saturday evening with no shortage of goals.
When asked about facing his former club, Gerardo Seoane stated, "It will definitely be a special game emotionally. Not because Leverkusen are coming, but because it's the first home game in front of our fans. I'm looking forward to the atmosphere."
Team News
Luca Netz is questionable, while Max Wöber is expected to play even after picking up an injury in training. Christoph Kramer and Manu Kone remain unavailable.
Leverkusen
Leverkusen fended off Leipzig on Matchday 1 as “Xabi ball” looked to be in full effect. Jeremie Frimpong continued to wreak havoc down the right wing, while veteran Granit Xhaka looked right at home in the middle of the park.
Jonas Hofmann, Florian Wirtz, and Victor Boniface will likely continue as the front three with Patrik Schick sidelined for the foreseeable future. The question this weekend, and this season, will be whether Leverkusen’s defense can do enough to consistently claim all three points.
New Bayern signing Josip Stanisic, who is expected to make his debut, said, “I think it was the right decision because I have a great team here, a great coach, and hopefully I'll get a lot of playing time. I want to make the most of it."
Team News
Schick is out, while Amine Adli and Piero Hincapie remain suspended. Sardar Azmoun and Nadiem Amiri likely won’t play as they near moves to AS Roma and Leeds United.