Bayern Munich are going for their ninth consecutive victory to start the season when Bayer Leverkusen visit the Allianz Arena on Sunday. They set the Bundesliga record last week with their eighth win in a row to start the season. They're on an absolute roll at this time with a +24 goal differential. Manuel Neuer has only been beaten twice this season, and the last one was way back on September 15th.
Jupp Heynckes finally has to make a decision with his backline as David Alaba is back and fully recovered from his preseason injury. Does he stick with the backline of Holger Badstuber, Dante, Jerome Boateng, and Philipp Lahm or does he bench one of the three centerbacks in order to play Alaba at left back? He should go ahead and make the move to bring in Alaba, so he can adjust to playing left back again. In his few substitute appearances since returning from his injury, Alaba has been playing in the midfield. While he started as a midfielder and can play there, he is far more valuable to this Bayern team at left back.
Bayer Leverkusen are coming into the match riding an eight match unbeaten streak, but it's far less impressive than it sounds. This includes wins over 18th Greuther Fürth and 17th Augsburg plus wins in the Europa League over Rosenborg and Rapid Vienna. It's obviously not murderer's row. They've already lost this season to Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, and it's going to take a lot of fortune to by the first side to take points off of Bayern this season.
Bayern haven't lost at home in the league to Leverkusen since the 1989-90 season. Let that sink in for a minute. Bayern haven't lost at home to Leverkusen in the league in 23 years. That's insane. It's tough to see a way that Leverkusen overcomes the juggernaut that is Bayern this weekend. Expect the Bavarians to take all three points at home.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Franck Ribery (hamstring), Mario Gomez (ankle), Javi Martinez (groin), Daniel van Buyten (bruised ribs). In doubt: Diego Contento (foot).
Bayern will be without Franck Ribery and Javi Martinez this weekend after both players picked up a knock against Lille midweek in the Champions League. Mario Gomez remains out as he recovers from his ankle surgery, and Daniel van Buyten is recovering from bruised ribs. Diego Contento is returning from his foot injury and may make the bench this week. There's no reason for Bayern to worry. They have depth at all of these positions.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Michal Kadlec (MCL), Renato Augusto (thigh). In Doubt: Stefan Reinartz (groin), Sidney Sam (ankle).
Renato Augusto is a long term injury due to the torn thigh muscle he suffered a while back, but Michal Kadlec partially tore his MCL during their Europa League match on Thursday. He'll be out for a few weeks. Stefan Reinartz and Sidney Sam both are likely to feature in some capacity this weekend after recovering from their injuries.
Match Date/Time: 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Gol TV (U.S. & Canada)
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