Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Preview

With two games of the season remaining, and with the title heading to Munich following the events of last weekend, Bayer Leverkusen’s season is over. They are no longer competing for silverware, and they are out third placed Frankfurt’s reach, sealing second place and Champions League football for next season.

However, Sunday holds considerably more importance for Borussia Dortmund. BVB currently sit fifth in a very congested race for Europe, and despite underperforming for much of the season, find themselves in prime position to strike should fourth placed Freiburg slip up.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be available on Sky Sports +, with kick-off scheduled for 14:30 GMT on Sunday.

Key Statistics

• Both sides come into the game on impressive unbeaten streaks in the league, Leverkusen’s last defeat was seven games ago, while Dortmund haven't lost in six.
• However, their scoring records contrast significantly. Leverkusen have scored just six in their last five, while Dortmund have netted 15 times in the same period.
• Dortmund’s defensive record is the worst inside the top seven, with only Freiburg equalling their 49.
• Leverkusen are the top scoring team in the league if Bayern’s excellent season is ignored, with 68 goals to their name.

Bayer Leverkusen Preview

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Matej Kovar (GK); Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba; Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, Aleix Garcia, Jeremie Frimpong; Emil Buendia, Florian Wirtz; Patrick Schick.

Although the title race was virtually a forgone conclusion last weekend, Leverkusen would still have liked to have taken it to the penultimate matchday. A win over Freiburg would have been enough to do that, but after failing two goals behind before the 50th minute, Bayern could begin to celebrate.

As is typical of Xabi Alonso’s squad, they did manage to level the game (in added time, when else?!), but even yet another late comeback wasn’t enough to lift spirits on the pitch, as their title defence finally slipped through their grasp.

They will want to bounce back here against an in-form Dortmund side - their starting eleven remains largely untouched by injuries, and with the quality they have on the pitch, they are certainly favourites. But it remains to be seen how three draws in the last five games have affected their confidence.

Borussia Dortmund Preview

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Gregor Kobel (GK); Ramy Bensebaini, Waldemar Anton, Niklas Sule; Daniel Svensson, Pascal Gross, Felix Nmecha, Julian Ryerson; Jamie Gittens, Julian Brandt; Serhou Guirassy.

It has been a remarkable turnaround in form from Dortmund - a month and a half ago they sat in 11th, and would have been starting to make preparations for a season without European football next year.

However, five wins and a draw in their last six games have seen the atmosphere at the club change entirely, and if they can beat Leverkusen here, they will all but secure some form of European competition next year, even if it may not be the Champions League.

With just two names (Maximilian Baier and Nico Schlotterbeck) out injured, and with Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi in sparkling form, Dortmund have plenty of momentum coming into this one, and will know that Leverkusen are somewhat fragile.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 10/01/2025: Dortmund 2-3 Leverkusen.
• 21/04/2024: Dortmund 1-1 Leverkusen.
• 03/12/2023: Leverkusen 1-1 Dortmund.
• 29/01/2023: Leverkusen 0-2 Dortmund.
• 06/08/2022: Dortmund 1-0 Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Betting Tip

With no aim, Leverkusen’s foot will, consciously or not, come off the gas, allowing their remaining opponents a look at a crucial three points that will boast their respective goals for the season.

Dortmund are the strongest side Leverkusen face in their remaining fixtures, lending this fixture the highest possibility of a shock result. With Champions League football very much within reach, Borussia Dortmund could not have a stronger motivator, and that goal will see them come out of this game with all three points.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund will hope that Freiburg slip up to relegation fighting Holstein Kiel. Should they oblige, then Dortmund will lift themselves up to fourth place, the highest they have been since game week three.