Bayern Munich are looking great, with back-to-back wins to start the season, but they’re facing a bit of a problem on Saturday. They’re facing Bayer Leverkusen -- one of the favorites to finish in the top four this season -- and they’ll be doing so with only one central defender.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Bundesliga online
Expect a fast, crazy match.
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Jerome Boateng, Medhi Benatia, Holger Badstuber, Javi Martinez and Jan Kirchhoff are all out, leaving Dante to man the back line by himself. David Alaba will likely be made into a makeshift central defender again, but it’s not clear who will play on the other side of the defense -- Philipp Lahm has played there before, while Xabi Alonso filled in last week. Arturo Vidal has played quite a bit of central defense for Chile as well.
If you like fast games, you’ll probably like this one. Leverkusen always play a fast style, but they’ll be encouraged to attack due to Bayern’s lack of a dedicated defense. Don’t be surprised if both teams score two or three (or four or five) goals in this one.
Key Player -- Douglas Costa
Since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk, Costa has fit in perfectly with Bayern and added some much-needed pace to their attack. Leverkusen’s up-tempo, counter-pressing style leaves space for opponents to counter into, and Costa will likely be the Bayern player in the best position to take advantage of that.
Upset potential -- Moderate
Welcome to the Bundesliga, where a Champions League club beating the top team is a minor event. Bayern have some injury issues and haven’t gotten everything clicking yet, but still look like the best team in Germany at the moment. At home, they’ll expect to beat Leverkusen, though the Fightin’ Pharmaceuticals are coming off an excellent win over Lazio.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Jerome Boateng (suspended), Franck Ribery (ankle, back), Holger Badstuber (thigh), Jan Kirchhoff (Achilles), Javi Martinez (knee), Medhi Benatia (hamstring).
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Charles Aranguiz (Achilles), Omer Toprak (thigh), Tin Jedvaj (thigh). In doubt: Kevin Kampl (just arrived).
Match date/time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S), BT Sport Europe (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Bundesliga 1 (Germany)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (Germany)
Listings for other countries at LiveSoccerTV.
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