The Bundesliga returns with a highlight fixture on a Friday as Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen.
Few teams have seen as much action on Fridays as Dortmund, and their record as hosts is unbelievable. Borussia last lost at home on this day over 20 years ago. Since then, they have extended their unbeaten streak to 40 games, so Leverkusen have a difficult task.
As usual, Dortmund are one of the strongest hosts in the ongoing campaign too, being undefeated after eight fixtures. Their home performance contrasts their struggles on the road, where BVB won for the first time in the final match of 2024.
Bayer Leverkusen are the only team in contention after Bayern Munich and Die Werkself are only four points behind them. This campaign hasn't been as easy as the championship season but Bayer are the team in the best form right now in the Bundesliga.
No other side has five wins in a row in the domestic league, a considerable achievement that's part of a larger nine-game win streak.
How the bookies view it: Surprising away advantage
We were surprised to see Borussia Dortmund as the underdogs in front of their own crowd. This usually only happens against Bayern Munich. But bookmakers gave them 17/10 to win, next to 7/5 for Bayer Leverkusen. Alternatively, the draw is available at 11/4.
Recent head to head: A good period for BVB
There is a lot to consider when looking at the H2Hs, as Dortmund have a fair advantage. BVB were one of only two teams that remained undefeated against this opponent last year when Leverkusen won the title. The visitors haven't won against Dortmund in four games in a row. Overall, Borussia have five wins in the last 10 H2Hs and Bayer have three.
Players to watch: The Magician from Pulheim
Both managers are fortunate to have mostly healthy squads and there are few considerations ahead of this clash. Niklas Sule is the only injury in Nuri Sahin's squad, while Pascal Gross is out due to his recent red card.
Jeanuel Belocian is the only injury in Bayer Leverkusen, while Jonas Hofmann and Amine Adli are doubtful due to fitness issues.
Watch out for Florian Wirtz, who is having his best season already. He finished the previous campaign with 11 goals and 11 assists in 32 Bundesliga rounds. He already has seven goals and eight assists in 15 rounds this year, averaging one involvement per match.
Probable line-ups
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Kobel, Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Ryerson, Can, Nmecha, Beier, Sabitzer, Gittens, Guirassy
Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-4-1): Hradecky, Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba, Hincapie, Xhaka, Palacios, Frimpong, Wirtz, Grimaldo, Schick
Anything else catch the eye?
Borussia Dortmund had a perfect home record until late November. After that, they scored two consecutive draws, which raised some eyebrows. Bayer Leverkusen are in their best shape right now, with nine wins in a row across all competitions.
It is impossible to pick a winner in this matchup and we have to back the draw. Both H2Hs last season ended level and we expect the same outcome.
This German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on Jan 10, 2025 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
