Serial champions against leaders
Thu, 14/09/23, 20:16
Early frontrunners clash: Bayern looking to outgun Bayer
From the international break into a Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash under the lights: there's a real highlight to kick off Matchday 4 as FC Bayern bid to wrestle top spot from leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Friday night (live text and free Web Radio commentary from 20:30 CEST on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app). Our preview contains all the most important info.
The photos from Thursday's final training session:
The state of play for FC Bayern
The eyes of the football nation will be fixed on Munich on Friday night, where the only two teams with maximum points from the first three games face off in a mouth-watering encounter. After opening victories over Werder Bremen (4-0) and FC Augsburg (3-1) as well as three big points at Borussia Mönchengladbach (2-1), Bayern want to send out an early statement. "We need to cut out Leverkusen's counter-attacks and stand up to them physically," stated coach Thomas Tuchel.
A home win against the Werkself would also give his side confidence going into the first midweek fixture of the season, as the eagerly awaited start of the Champions League group stage is coming up next Wednesday. English record champions Manchester United are the visitors to the Allianz Arena.
Catch up on the main statements from Thomas Tuchel's earlier press conference:
The opponents: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Leverkusen are a good example of how quickly things can change in the football business. When the Rhinelanders came to the Allianz Arena almost a year ago, they were second from bottom and were on the end of a 4-0 defeat. The Werkself reacted by hiring ex-FCB player Xabi Alonso as coach. The Spaniard has returned Bayer 04 back to their former strength and takes his side to Munich on the back of the best start to a Bundesliga season in the club's history. "It's special to come back to the Allianz Arena," said Alonso. "I have a good feeling. These big games are the best. If we reach our best level, we have a good chance."
After recovering to finish sixth last season and qualify for the Europa League, Leverkusen have carried that good form and hunger for goals into the new campaign with wins against Ottensen in the cup (8-0), RB Leipzig (3-2), Gladbach (3-0) and Darmstadt (5-1). On Friday, it will be a case of stopping the Bayer attack, led by Victor Boniface (four goals) and Florian Wirtz.
The facts on the meeting with the Werkself:
The team news for Bayern vs. Bayer 04
Bayern are again without long-term absentees Manuel Neuer and Raphaël Guerreiro, while Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala are doubts. Kimmich only trained individually with Germany because of muscular problems, while Musiala pulled out of the national team because of back issues. Leon Goretzka is in line to start, according to Tuchel. "He has settled into the season well. He's very positive, he'll most likely start again for us tomorrow."
Xabi Alonso must do without Patrik Schick, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Arthur and Noah Mbamba in the top-of-the-table clash, but Piero Hincapie and Amine Adli are available.
Eleven players who played for both clubs:
Wha the coaches say
Leverkusen are a very strong team and have a very good coach. They're very homogenous and are playing at a very good level. I'm really looking forward to an evening match, it's a fitting setting for this fixture. We're the two teams who have started with three wins. We'll be ready to show our best side and try to win.
Thomas Tuchel
I had three nice years here. It was a good experience and a great honour for me to spend the final three years of my career here. It was also good preparation for being a coach in the Bundesliga. I knew the country, the football, the special rhythm.
Xabi Alonso (Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach)
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