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16.12.2023
Bundesliga

Matchday in focus: Leverkusen

Leverkusen, in their preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, are enjoying an outstanding season so far.

Tactics

Bayer Leverkusen have been top of the Bundesliga table since Matchday 6, and are currently four points clear following last week’s 1-1 draw with VfB Stuttgart, coupled with Bayern Munich’s 5-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt.

Not only that, but head coach Xabi Alonso’s side – who tend to line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation – are still involved in the DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League, and have progressed to the knockout stages of the latter after comfortably winning Group H.

Xabi Alonso.

Not only that, but head coach Xabi Alonso’s side – who tend to line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation – are still involved in the DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League, and have progressed to the knockout stages of the latter after comfortably winning Group H.

Absentees

Leverkusen have everyone available except for right-back Arthur, who has a thigh muscle complaint.

Eintracht are definitely without injured trio Timothy Chandler, Kristijan Jakic and Sebastian Rode, while Omar Marmoush sits this one out through suspension. Farès Chaibi is a doubt due to a cold, and there is also a question mark surrounding Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe.

One to watch: Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka.

  • One of Leverkusen’s key summer signings was Switzerland international Granit Xhaka. The 31-year-old midfielder joined from Arsenal and has seamlessly become an essential part of the league leaders’ starting line-up.

  • Xhaka learned his trade at FC Basel, where he also took his first steps as a professional. He first gained Bundesliga experience during a four-year stint at Borussia Mönchengladbach, before moving to Arsenal.

  • In 2009 he was part of the Switzerland team that won the U17 World Cup. Xhaka also lifted the Swiss Cup and the Swiss Super League title twice with Basel, before enjoying two FA Cup triumphs with Arsenal.
  • Xhaka is Switzerland captain and is also the Nati’s record appearance holder with 121 caps.

Match info 

Kick-off: 17 December, 17:30 CET, Bundesliga, Matchday 15 
Stadium: BayArena, Leverkusen

Statistics

Top of the class: Centre-back Jonathan Tah has completed more passes than any other player in the Bundesliga with a 96.9 percent success rate. Jeremie Frimpong has made more sprints (506) than anyone else.

Fair: Leverkusen have committed fewer fouls (121) than any other team this term