Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach Prediction

Bundesliga leagues young and old will be looking forward to a top match this weekend as Borussia Mönchengladbach face Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga’s third and fifth place teams respectively will come together at the fanless 54,000 capacity Borussia Park. This is an extremely consequential match as both sides are separated by a mere two points.

Mönchengladbach Preview

It’s a surprise to see Gladbach sitting just 6 points away from the top spot in the Bundesliga, but it is definitely no fluke. Gladbach have a very balanced team and a few young starlets who have driven them forward this season. Manager Marco Rose is one of the Bundesliga’s rising young coaches and has done a fantastic job of molding the Foals into a contender. Gladbach are especially tough to beat at home, suffering only 2 losses in 11 games at Borussia Park this season. The Foals had an excellent restart to Bundesliga play. Striker Alassane Plea scored in the first minute against Frankfurt as Gladbach rolled to a  3-1 victory. Gladbach often line up in a 4-2-3-1 and their skillful attacking force of Plea, Marcus Thuram, and Breel Embolo could ensure plenty of goals against Leverkusen this weekend. 

Bayer Leverkusen Preview

Bayer Leverkusen are right in the thick of things in the hunt for a European spot. Although they are only 8 points behind Bayern, only the most diehard Leverkusen supporter would delude himself into thinking they were legitimate title contenders. Nonetheless, Bayer are in great form and have not lost in their last 5 games. Like Gladbach, they also got off to a great start in their return to league play, beating Werder Bremen 4-1. Three points for Leverkusen would put them ahead of Gladbach in the table, potentially into 3rd place. Leverkusen’s star is the young striker Kai Havertz, who scored 2 against Bremen on Monday. The brace brought his tally to 12 goals for the year and if he gets a chance or two at goal, this could be a win for the red and black of Leverkusen.

Full Prediction

On paper, both teams are pretty even. Gladbach has a chance to keep their faint title hopes alive and Leverkusen could jump up to 3rd place with a win. They play similar systems and have some of the best players in the league. Gladbach has a very technical group of players who like to keep the ball. They have pace up front and are dangerous in transition. If Marcus Thuram and Breel Embolo are in rhythm, they will take their scoring chances and hurt Leverkusen. Playing at home could also prove to be an edge. 

Leverkusen have the rare opportunity to take destiny into their hands with this game. The impact of a win would have favorable consequences on their league position and mentality. They will have to stay compact and defend with vigor to stifle Gladbach’s potent attack. On the bright side, Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 2020, so Leverkusen should certainly have a goal or two in them. This match up has all the ingredients for a scintillating, high quality performance that represents the best the Bundesliga has to offer. A hard fought draw would not be unthinkable, but I think we will see Gladbach come out the victors with a goal towards the end of the second half.