Neuer takes part in Bayern’s Goalkeeper-Challenge
In glorious football weather, Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich and Chis Früchtl came up with the idea of making a challenge out of training: Whoever concedes the fewest goals wins.
Bayern Munich vs Leverkusen: Line-ups
Bayern Munich
Leverkusen
Bayern to Stay on Top
#1
With Borussia Dortmund only managing to earn a point at relegation-threatened Augsburg last Sunday, Bayern’s narrow victory over Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the day resulted in their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table being extended from six to eight points on matchday 24.
#2
In addition, with BVB’s fixture at Mainz 05 on Sunday being postponed, the hosts are presented with the chance of further extending their advantage to 11 points by the end of the weekend.
#3
Having held similar considerable advantages on two separate occasions earlier in the season, manager Julian Nagelsmann will be eager for his side to get the title wrapped up at the earliest possible opportunity, and avoid any potential slip-ups to allow Dortmund back in once more.
#4
Meanwhile, despite a drop off in form after that humiliation back in October, as well as another concerning dip prior to the winter break, Leverkusen have picked themselves up at the beginning of 2022. Although their unexpected title challenge prior to the heavy defeat to Saturday’s opponents is well in the past now, with a 14-point gap between the sides heading into their meeting, Gerardo Seoane’s men have still undergone a successful season up to this point.
#5
Sixteen points from a possible 21 to begin the year mean Die Werkself find themselves in third place ahead of their trip to the Allianz Arena, with a four-point advantage over Leipzig, Freiburg and Hoffenheim directly below them in the table in the race for a Champions League place. A difficult trip to the league leaders on matchday 25 this weekend means that gap is likely to be cut, but Leverkusen look set to end a two-year absence from Europe’s grand stage if they can maintain their strong form between now and May.
DPP Verdict
With both of these sides so prolific in front of goal this season, and with many of their recent meetings producing a considerable amount of goals and entertainment, we are predicting another goal fest on Saturday. Both teams have also suffered from shaky defences in the lead up to their clean sheets last weekend, so both will look to capitalise in the final third, but ultimately, Bayern should possess too much for their visitors as they continue their charge to a 10th consecutive Bundesliga title.
