Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Bundesliga Showdown

As the Bundesliga action heats up, all eyes turn to the BayArena where Bayer Leverkusen host Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Both teams enter this fixture with contrasting recent results, and fans eagerly await a battle that promises tactical intrigue and high stakes. Bayer Leverkusen, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, aim to build on recent victories, while Gerardo Seoane’s Borussia Monchengladbach desperately seek to recover after consecutive defeats.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM UK time, with fans in the US able to tune in at 12:30 PM ET or 9:30 AM PT. In this preview, we’ll break down the key team news, tactical setups, and make a prediction on how the match might unfold.

Auf ins Training! 🔥 Der Rückrunden-Auftakt ruft! 😎

🔜 #B04BMG | #Bayer04 | #Werkself pic.twitter.com/t1zMHhJimf

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) January 17, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen Team News: Tactical Flexibility in Focus

Xabi Alonso has experimented with tactical systems this season, shifting between a 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 formation. While this adaptability has brought mixed results, Leverkusen remain in contention near the top of the Bundesliga. Last weekend’s narrow 1-0 win against Mainz showcased the team’s resilience, but it also highlighted their current struggles with fluidity in attack.

Alonso’s decision to return to a three-at-the-back system for midweek training indicates that he values defensive solidity against Monchengladbach’s dangerous transitions. Despite injuries to key players like Amine Adli and Victor Boniface, Leverkusen boast depth in attacking options, with Florian Wirtz and Alex Grimaldo continuing to shine.

Predicted Starting XI (3-5-1-1):

• Goalkeeper: Kovar
• Defenders: Mukiele, Tapsoba, Hincapié
• Midfielders: Frimpong, Palacios, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo
• Forwards: Wirtz; Schick

Unavailable Players:

• Belocian (Injured)
• Adli (Injured)
• Boniface (Injured)

Borussia Monchengladbach Team News: Adjustments Needed

Borussia Monchengladbach enter this match after a disappointing 5-1 loss to Wolfsburg, a game where Gerardo Seoane’s attacking philosophy was ruthlessly exploited. Seoane, known for his adventurous tactics, now faces the challenge of balancing creativity with defensive solidity.

Injury concerns further compound Monchengladbach’s struggles, with key players Franck Honorat and Nathan Ngoumou sidelined. Young talents like Yvandro Borges Sanches may need to step up if deemed fit. Seoane might opt for a pragmatic approach, deploying a compact 4-2-3-1 formation to frustrate Leverkusen’s attacking rhythm.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Nicolas
• Defenders: Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Netz
• Midfielders: Reitz, Weigl; Hack, Stöger, Plea
• Forward: Cvancara

Unavailable Players:

• Walde (Injured)
• Ngoumou (Injured)
• Honorat (Injured)

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Recent Form Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen come into this game on the back of two crucial Bundesliga wins. After a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, they followed it up with a gritty 1-0 triumph against Mainz. These results highlight their ability to win in different ways, whether through attacking dominance or defensive organization.

Monchengladbach, on the other hand, have endured a rough patch. A narrow 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich showcased their defensive potential, but the 5-1 thrashing by Wolfsburg exposed glaring vulnerabilities. Seoane will need to inspire a dramatic turnaround if his team is to compete against Leverkusen.

Key Battles to Watch

Florian Wirtz vs Julian Weigl

Wirtz, Leverkusen’s creative heartbeat, will be crucial in breaking down Monchengladbach’s defensive lines. Weigl, a seasoned Bundesliga midfielder, must use his tactical awareness to neutralize Wirtz’s influence.

Jeremie Frimpong vs Luca Netz

Frimpong’s pace and attacking intent from wing-back will be a constant threat, while Netz faces the daunting task of containing him on Monchengladbach’s left flank.

Schick vs Itakura

Patrik Schick’s physicality and finishing ability make him a focal point for Leverkusen’s attack. Ko Itakura will need to stay alert to prevent Schick from finding space in the box.

Match Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Given their current form and home advantage, Bayer Leverkusen are clear favorites for this clash. Xabi Alonso’s tactical flexibility should enable his team to adapt to Monchengladbach’s threats, while Florian Wirtz and Alex Grimaldo are likely to exploit gaps in the visitors’ defense.

For Borussia Monchengladbach, the key will be maintaining defensive discipline and seizing opportunities on the counterattack. However, with injuries limiting their attacking options, Seoane’s side may struggle to match Leverkusen’s intensity.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Borussia Monchengladbach

Leverkusen’s superior form and squad depth should see them secure another valuable three points in their quest to keep pace with Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

How to Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach

• Kick-off Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025
  • UK: 5:30 PM
  • US ET: 12:30 PM
  • US PT: 9:30 AM
• TV:
  • UK: Sky Sports
  • US: ESPN channels (check local listings)
• Streaming Services:
  • UK: Sky Go
  • US: ESPN+