Bongarts
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
| Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber, Lahm; Tymoshchuk, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ribery; Gomez |
Arjen Robben is expected to play a part in the match after recovering from his back pains, but is unlikely to feature in the starting line-up. Brazilian Luiz Gustavo has shaken off the minor knock he picked up in the game against Schalke, but Heynckes may not risk him and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is likely to deputise.
Centre-half Breno is not expected to take part in the game as he is still recovering, and is reportedly still in shock after his villa burned down earlier this week. Ivica Olic is recuperating and is not in contention for a starting place this weekend.
| Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castro, Reinartz, Toprak, Balitsch; Bender, Rolfes; Sam, Renato Augusto, Castro; Kiessling |
The timing could hardly be worse for Bayer to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz-Arena as key players Michal Kadlec and Andre Schurrle are suspended for this game.
Bouncing back from the 1-4 drubbing by arch-rivals Koln at the BayArena is made all the more difficult by the absence of Michael Ballack, Bastian Ozcipka, Michael Ortega, Tranquillo Barnetta, Fabian Giefer and Rene Adler, who are all sidelined with injuries and will not feature on Saturday.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- B
ayern Munich have not lost to Bayer Leverkusen in 13 games, picking up 10 wins and three draws.
- The Bavarians have conceded just one goal after the opening six matches, which is a new record for the team.
- When the two teams met at the Allianz Arena last season, Bayern won 5-1, courtesy of a hat-trick by Mario Gomez, a strike by Franck Ribery, and an own-goal by Simon Rolfes.
- Bayer Leverkusen last won against the Bavarians seven years ago, when Klaus Augenthaler led the Aspirins to a 4-1 win.
- The Factory squad have been shut out 18 times by Bayern Munich, more than any other team.
- Current Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes coached the Aspirins for two years, moulding the team into its current form. The Borussia Monchengladbach and Germany legend returned to Bayern Munich in the summer for his third coaching spell at the club.
Bayern Munich's defence is going to concede at some point, but it would take a brave man to bet on Leverkusen breaking that streak. Given the Factory squad's poor record against the Bavarians, their recent bad run of form, and the fact that they face a coach who has insight into his former club and players, the hosts will have reasons to feel confident of all three points.
Editor's Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-0 Leverkusen 
