Bundesliga Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen
The German Bundesliga is set to resume after the winter break with an exciting matchup as Borussia Dortmund welcomes the defending champions, Bayer Leverkusen, to Signal Iduna Park on Friday, January 10, 2025. This clash is pivotal for both teams, aiming to secure vital points as they compete at the top of the table.
Current Form and Standings
Borussia Dortmund enters this match sitting sixth in the Bundesliga standings with 25 points from 15 matches. They have faced a challenging run of form leading into the break, winning only one of their last five games, including a crucial 3-1 victory against VfL Wolfsburg. Despite this inconsistency, Dortmund has historically performed well at home, winning 11 consecutive games before suffering recent setbacks.
In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen currently occupies second place with 32 points, just four points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich. Following a resounding 5-1 victory over Freiburg, in which Patrik Schick netted four goals, Xabi Alonso’s squad aims to reclaim their earlier momentum after having dropped 13 points in six matches earlier in the season. Leverkusen has seen a resurgence in form, winning their last three away games, but struggled on the road previously with five winless fixtures.
Match Details
- Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
- Broadcast: The match will be available on ESPN Deportes and can be streamed via FuboTV.
Odds:
- Dortmund: +180
- Draw: +250
- Leverkusen: +140
Team News and Key Players
For Borussia Dortmund, Nuri Sahin’s side will miss the suspended Pascal Gross and injured Niklas Sule. The expected lineup features goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, flanked by defenders Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck. Emre Can and Felix Nmecha are likely to anchor the midfield, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Serhou Guirassy, and Julian Brandt taking on attacking roles.
Leverkusen’s squad will be without Amine Adli, while Victor Boniface may return to bolster the attack alongside Schick, assisted by Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella. Defender Edmond Tapsoba is expected to lead a solid backline, which has seen only one clean sheet in the last five matches, yet they still managed to score 16 goals in that period.
Key Matchup and Predictions
Both teams will need to perform at their peak, given the high stakes of this match as they vie for a stronger position in the league. Analysts predict a tightly contested game, with some favoring a possible draw. Nevertheless, there is a slight inclination towards Leverkusen having the edge, likely culminating in a final score of Dortmund 1, Leverkusen 2.
Significance of the Match
As Bundesliga action resumes, this fixture not only holds implications for the title race but also for teams looking to solidify their positions as European contenders. With the winter transfer window approaching, performance in this match could impact potential player movements and strategies as the season progresses. For Dortmund, a win is crucial to regain confidence and momentum, while Leverkusen aims to capitalize on their recent strong performances to close the gap on Bayern Munich at the top of the league.
In summary, this match promises to deliver competitive football, with both sides having much to play for in the second half of the season.
