This historic match marks the first time in Bundesliga history that two teams have amassed 50 points after 20 matches. Leverkusen leads with 52 points, a narrow two-point margin over second-placed Bayern with 50 points.
Leverkusen recently achieved a remarkable 30-game unbeaten run across all competitions, securing their spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over Stuttgart.
Their unbeaten streak faced challenges against Stuttgart, trailing 1-0 and 2-1, but Xabi Alonso's team displayed resilience, turning the game around dramatically. Notably, Leverkusen's 66th-minute equalizer by Amine Adli and a 90th-minute winner from Jonathan Tah marked their third stoppage-time goal since the new year.
With 25 points more than last season at this stage and conceding a league-low 14 goals, Leverkusen's impressive form positions them as a formidable force in the Bundesliga. Their only draw this season came against Bayern, a 2-2 result with Exequiel Palacios netting a late equalizer.
Alonso, having secured a 2-1 home victory over Bayern in March last year, aims to gain a psychological edge in the title race with a win that would extend their lead to five points. Bayern Munich, despite facing a resilient Leverkusen, has displayed excellence, accumulating 50 points after 20 matches.
The Bavarians boast the most points for a team in second place at this stage and have gathered seven points more than in their previous title-winning campaign. Leading in home points (28) and scoring a league-high 59 goals, Bayern has rebounded from a late-January defeat to Werder Bremen with three consecutive Bundesliga victories.
In their last match against Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern staged a comeback with goals from Aleksandar Pavlovic, Harry Kane, and Matthijs de Ligt after trailing 1-0. Manager Thomas Tuchel praised the team's reaction against a tough opponent.
With the pressure on Bayern to secure a positive result in this pivotal title showdown, they aim to capitalize on their strong away record against Leverkusen, having won the previous four away games, scoring 15 goals in the process. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in North Rhine-Westphalia this Saturday.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Victor Boniface and Arthur from Bayer Leverkusen continue to be sidelined due to groin and thigh injuries respectively, while Odilon Kossounou remains unavailable as he represents Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.Exequiel Palacios, who has missed the last three matches due to a thigh issue, is uncertain for Saturday's game, potentially leaving Robert Andrich and Granit Xhaka to pair up in central midfield once again.
Nathan Tella is vying for a starting spot after his brace against Darmstadt last week, while Borja Iglesias, on loan from Real Betis, could step in for Patrik Schick upfront.
Bayern Munich faces injury woes as Alphonso Davies sustained a knee injury last weekend, joining Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Daniel Peretz, Tarek Buchmann, and Bouna Sarr in the treatment room.
Konrad Laimer and Bryan Zaragoza's availability is uncertain, while Joshua Kimmich and Dayot Upamecano returned to full training and might feature this weekend. Additionally, Kim Min-jae is back from his duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup and is ready for selection.
With two goals in his last two starts, Aleksandar Pavlovic hopes to keep his place in midfield alongside Leon Goretzka. Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, and Jamal Musiala are expected to provide attacking support for striker Harry Kane, who aims for his 25th Bundesliga goal of the season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Wirtz; Iglesias
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Mazraoui, Kim, De Ligt, Guerreiro; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern Munich
Both teams are dealing with some absences, but with their attacking mindset, we can expect an engaging match. A score draw seems plausible, ensuring the title race remains competitive and exciting.
