Bayer Leverkusen will host Freiburg at the BayArena on Sunday as they battle for points at the top of the Bundesliga. Leverkusen aims for a fifth consecutive victory, while Freiburg looks to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games.
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After missing out on Champions League qualification last season, Leverkusen has started strong under new head coach Carles Martinez Novell, appointed in June. Despite losing their Bundesliga opener 3-2 to Elversberg, they have rebounded with five wins in their last six matches across all competitions, including a recent 4-0 victory over Lech Poznan in the Europa League and a thrilling 4-3 win against Mainz 05.
Currently sitting fourth in the league, Leverkusen has accumulated 10 points, just three behind the leaders, Freiburg. Leverkusen's defense has been particularly notable, managing three clean sheets in their last four matches.
Freiburg, coached by Julian Schuster, tops the Bundesliga with 13 points from five matches, having won four and drawn one. Following their Europa League final loss last season, Freiburg has recorded eight wins in their last nine competitive games. Their recent matches include a 3-2 victory over FK Baumit Jablonec in the Conference League and a 2-1 win against Schalke 04.
Freiburg has scored 14 goals this season, placing them behind only RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, but they have struggled with defensive consistency, managing only one clean sheet in their last five matches.
In terms of team news, Leverkusen will be without right-back Guela Doue due to a calf injury, while Montrell Culbreath is a fitness doubt. If Culbreath cannot play, Jarell Quansah is expected to start in defense. Aleix Garcia and Robert Andrich are set to anchor the midfield, with Ibrahim Maza likely in an advanced role. Meanwhile, left winger Eliesse Ben Seghir and striker Christian Kofane are also dealing with injuries.
Freiburg will miss attacking midfielder Yuito Suzuki, who is suspended, but Lucas Holer, Jan-Niklas Beste, and Derry Scherhant are anticipated to start. Berkay Yilmaz’s availability is uncertain due to recent training absences but Jordy Makengo is prepared to take his spot.
Projected lineups include:
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Quansah, Tapsoba, Medina, Gutierrez; Garcia, Andrich; Diaby, Maza, Moreira; Schick.
Freiburg: Backhaus; Treu, Lienhart, Ginter, Makengo; Engelhardt, Eggestein; Beste, Holer, Scherhant; Matanovic.
Predictions suggest a close matchup, with Leverkusen possibly edging out Freiburg 2-1, particularly due to their recent defensive performances.