Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Bundesliga match.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen continue to score freely and steer clear of defeats. They already have one win and two draws. If the first draw led to the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, the second, on the eve of this fixture, can be called a let-off: the team salvaged a 2:2 draw in Kasper Hjulmand’s native Denmark against FC Copenhagen. Once again, as in the last Bundesliga round against Eintracht Frankfurt (3:1), Álex Grimaldo scored with a direct free-kick, although this time only once.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach are not in European competition, and they have barely been scoring. So far this season they have only managed to score in the DFB-Pokal against Oberliga side Atlas Delmenhorst (3:2) and in friendlies. The most recent of those came in September — against Schalke 04 (2:0). In serious competitive action, Borussia Mönchengladbach lacked composure in front of goal. Only Bayern Munich (20.3) attempted more shots than them (17.0), but look at the conversion statistics — zero goals against 4.7 xG. Moreover, Borussia Mönchengladbach have the Bundesliga’s worst xG differential (-4.54). Inevitably, the hierarchy ran out of patience and parted company with Gerardo Seoane.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach
There is a chance Eugen Polanski stays in post on a permanent basis, but much will depend on the result in Leverkusen. For now, we expect Bayer Leverkusen to find the net and Borussia Mönchengladbach to end their barren run, but we’ll back the over rather than BTTS.
