Darmstadt vs. Leverkusen preview: Can Bayer hold onto the top spot?
With the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals and a salivating contest against Bayern in the week ahead, Leverkusen must first take care of business in a potential trap game on Matchday 20 against Darmstadt.
Darmstadt
Darmstadt narrowly lost to relegation rival Union last weekend and haven’t won a league match in nearly four months. It’s not looking promising for the newly-promoted side, who own the worst defensive record in the league by far.
They have shown that they can score goals and added another striker this week in Sebastian Polter who can pair with former teammate and new attacking loanee, Gerrit Holtmann. If Darmstadt can claim a point at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor this weekend against a world-class side, it will definitely feel like a victory.
Polter commented, "I'm happy that I can play for Darmstadt and play in the Bundesliga again. I will do everything I can to help the team and use my experience in the fight to stay in the league."
Team News
Mathias Honsak, Fraser Hornby, Braydon Manu, Aaron Seydel and Clemense Riedel are a part of Darmstadt’s lengthy injury list. Christoph Zimmerman is expected to replace Riedel in center defense, while it’s unclear if Polter will be fit enough to feature.
Leverkusen
Bayer couldn’t find a way into the back of the net against Gladbach last weekend, but still claimed a point to remain undefeated in all competitions this season. Next week, they face Stuttgart in the Pokal quarterfinals and Bayern, but they must be careful to avoid a drop in form against hungry Darmstadt.
Striker Borja Iglesias was signed on loan from Real Betis this week and he should see some playing time off the bench. Xabi Alonso could rest some starters for the weeks ahead, including Granit Xhaka who’s on four yellow cards.
Alonso commented, "I've played at Darmstadt, there's a special atmosphere in the stadium. - They play with heart and they have quality. We have to put in a complete performance."
Team News
Arthur, Victor Boniface and Exequiel Palacios are out. Odilon Kossounou is still away at the AFCON, but Amine Adli and Edmond Tapsoba could be back in the squad after returning from the tournament.