Champions League hopefuls face off at Borussia Park

Borussia Mönchengladbach take on Bayer Leverkusen in a clash what looks to be a mouthwatering encounter

Both teams picked up three points on their return to Bundesliga action last weekend. Mönchengladbach won 3-1 away at Eintracht Frankfurt, while Leverkusen humiliated relegation haunted Werder Bremen 4-1.

The away side come into this one in fine form. They are have won five of their last six Bundesliga games, and are ten games unbeaten in all competitions.

But Mönchengladbach’s home record this season is impressive. They have nine of their 13 league games at Borussia Park this season.

This game will also showcase some of the German top flight’s standout players this season. Monchengladbach’s prolific trio of Alessane Plea, Breel Embolo, and Marcus Thuram, and Bayer’s Kai Havertz.

Die Fohlen’s front three have been formidable throughout the 2019/20 campaign, notching up 23 goals between them.

Bayer’s Havertz has been involved in 13 of his sides’ goals this season, scoring eight, which is the second highest behind centre-forward Kevin Volland. The 20 year old’s performances have caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs.

It’s a must win game for both sides. A win for Leverkusen would leapfrog them above the hosts into the top four.

For Marco Rose’s side, victory would give them a five point cushion over Die Werkself, and would keep in the mix for the title.

Marcus Thuram was the difference in the reverse fixture at the Bayer Arena in October. His goal before half-time secure Mönchengladbach a 2-1 victory.

Team news

For Borussia Mönchengladbach – The hosts will be without Fabian Johnson who is out with a muscle problem, while Denis Zakaria is still out with a knee injury.

For Bayer Leverkusen – Peter Bosz will travel to Westphalia without top scorer Kevin Volland and Lars Bender, who both have foot injuries.

Head to Head

In the last 30 games between the two clubs, Leverkusen have won the majority of games with 14 wins over Monchengladbach. Borussia Monchengladbach have won the last two games against Bayer beating the team 2-1 in the reverse fixture and 1-0 last season.