Bayer Leverkusen has come out the gate like a hurricane, defeating Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion 2-0 before defeating Hertha BSC in a thrilling 4-2 win at home. That's to say nothing of the absolute pasting they laid on FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League playoffs. Six points from their first two games leaves them alone at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Werder Bremen: Time, TV schedule and game preview
A big match in the Bundesliga is at hand on Friday.
Juergen Schwarz
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen has enjoyed the fact that they haven't lost a game yet, though it comes coupled with the annoying fact that they haven't won a game yet either. Two draws have Bremen fans scratching their heads, unsure of whether this team actually has an offense or a defense. Unfortunately, a matchup against red-hot Bayer Leverkusen is not likely to be the test they want to answer those questions.
Key player - Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
The 20-year-old Turkish international has already been branded the buy of the summer in the Bundesliga. Considering he’s flawlessly slotted into Roger Schmidt’s all-attack-all-the-time philosophy, he passes, shoots, and creates very well at pace. He’s one of the most creative players in Germany and surrounded by very dynamic partners, he’s been awash with creative chances. In addition to his skill during the run of play, his ability from dead ball situations turns him into an all-around offensive threat for Leverkusen. If Calhanoglu plays well, Leverkusen should win this match hands down.
Key matchup - Stefan Kießling vs. Assani Lukimya
With the gulf in class between the two sides, this whole game is going to come down to how the Bremen center backs, notably Assani Lukimya, respond to the threat posed by Stefan Keißling. The 30-year-old is one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga and when he’s on fire he’s tough to cool down. With a rotating cast of extremely talented midfielders around him including Calhanoglu, Heung Min Son and this year’s surprise breakout, Karim Bellarabi, Kießking has the potential to put up some monster numbers especially against sides with serious defensive question marks. Unfortunately, this is the position Bremen find themselves in. If they stand any hope of smothering the Leverkusen attack and nicking against the run of play, Lukimya has to play well and shut down Kießling. Unfortunately the descriptors “consistent” and “playing well” don’t often appear in concert with the Congolese defender.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Julian Brandt (ankle), Simon Rolfes (ankle). In doubt: None
Werder Bremen injuries and suspensions
Out: Philipp Bargfrede (knee) Theodor Gebre Selassie (thigh). In doubt: None.
While the dual losses of Simon Rolfes and Julian Brandt are going to be major depth obstacles for Bayer Leverkusen in the future, they are simultaneously getting German national team stalwart Lars Bender back from injury for this match. Paired with the deeper playmaker in Gonzalo Castro, Bayer Leverkusen should hum along even without two of their more dynamic deep midfield players. On the Bremen side of things, the injuries to Bargfrede and Gebre-Selassie have given other young talents the opportunity to shine and it's difficult to think their expected fortunes would improve even if they were healthy.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 8:30pm local, 2:30pm ET
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: GOLTV (USA/Canada), ESPN (UK), Sky Bundesliga 1 (Germany)
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