Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach Prediction Preview

Our Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach prediction preview sees Die Werkself aiming to maintain their remarkable momentum as they host a Gladbach side reeling from a 5-1 midweek mauling at Wolfsburg. Could Patrik Schick’s red-hot form prove decisive in this intriguing Saturday evening clash.

Xabi Alonso’s men have emerged as genuine title contenders once again, demonstrated by their back-to-back victories after the winter break that extended their unbeaten Bundesliga run to 15 matches. They earned a hard fought win over Mainz in midweek which can be considered another strong result given their opponents had already beaten fellow top-three sides Bayern Munich and Frankfurt. 

It has been a disastrous return to action for Mönchengladbach who fell to a narrow defeat at home to Bayern last weekend. However the thrashing at Wolfsburg will have been a shock to the system especially as they took a 10-game unbeaten head-to-head record into the fixture. Particularly alarming for Gerardo Seoane was how his side collapsed in the final 15 minutes and conceded three goals. Even more so given he brings his wounded troops to face the potent attack of the current Bundelsiga champions.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach Prediction: Travel sick Borussia to get wrong end of the Schick

Germany, Bundesliga, Saturday, January 18th, 17:30 (UK)

The resurgence of Patrik Schick has been one of the compelling narratives of this Bundesliga season. The Czechia international’s recent form has been nothing short of phenomenal, with his performance metrics suggesting this isn’t simply a purple patch but something far more sustainable.

Schick’s current conversion rate is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating remarkable efficiency in front of goal. His goalscoring efficiency rating of +4.01 ranks second in the Bundesliga, trailing only Omar Marmoush’s +5.44, indicating he’s not just scoring frequently but doing so clinically.

The striker’s recent record of six goals in his last three Bundesliga appearances showcases his current confidence levels. To further endorse this he has scored multiple goals three times in the last seven games. His midweek blank against Mainz was his first absence on the scoresheet across his last seven starts but given the visitors shipped five times on Tuesday at Wolfsburg the 28-year-old will be confident he can get back among the goals here. 

His performance against Dortmund in the first game after the winter break was particularly eye-catching. Hitting the back of the net twice in the opening 19 minutes against a side with a known reputation for having a formidable record on home soil. 

Schick’s positioning and movement have been exceptional, totalling 32 shots across his last seven league starts. This high volume of attempts, combined with his current finishing efficiency, makes him a constant threat. His recent four-goal haul against Freiburg demonstrated his ability to capitalise on any defensive weakness.

The absence of Victor Boniface has allowed Schick to cement his position as the focal point of Leverkusen’s attack, and he’s grabbed this opportunity with both hands. His total of 64 Bundesliga goals in 126 appearances represents an impressive strike rate, and his current season tally of 11 goals suggests he’s on track to potentially surpass his best Bundesliga season of 24 goals in 2021/22.

The tactical setup of Leverkusen under Alonso particularly suits Schick’s strengths. The team’s possession-based approach, combined with quick transitional play, creates numerous high-quality chances for their striker. Against a Gladbach defence that has shown inconsistency this season, these factors align perfectly for Schick to continue his scoring run.

Czechia’s all-time top scorer in the Bundesliga looks a great price to further add to that tally. 

• Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach Prediction: Patrik Schick Anytime Goal Scorer (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, January 15th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Wirtz news for Borrussia with Florian Glad to be bach

Florian Wirtz returned to the Leverkusen starting lineup for the win against Mainz after dropping to the bench due to “traffic issues” ahead of the Dortmund game. All being well on the autobahns he will retain his place here. Victor Boniface, who hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in November is expected to return to training any day but this may come too soon even for a place on the bench. Broken leg victim Amine Adli is expected to be out until next month.

Gladbach have few injury concerns with Nathan N’Goumou and Franck Honorat the only injured first teamers. While the visitors will be hoping striker Tim Kleindienst will recover from the stomach bug which kept him out of the midweek debacle. It remains to be seen whether Gerardo Seoane opts to mix things up given the nature of that defeat – or give the eleven who started the opportunity to make amends. 

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Kovář; Mukiele, Tapsoba, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; García, Wirtz; Schick

Borussia Mönchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Nicolas; Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Netz; Reitz, Weigl; Pléa, Stöger, Hack; Kleindienst

Match OPTA Stats: Tim not so Klein-dienst

• With 1659, Leverkusen have won more duels than any other side in Bundesliga this season
• No player has committed more fouls during the current campaign than Gladbach’s Tim Kleindienst (42)
• Leverkusen have completed a league high 4184 sprints in this term.

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