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Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen – Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan 10, 2025

The Bundesliga returns from its winter break with a blockbuster clash as Borussia Dortmund host reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen at Signal Iduna Park on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7.30 PM UK time. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Dortmund looking to climb the table from their current sixth position, while Leverkusen aim to close the gap on league leaders Bayern Munich, sitting just four points behind in second place.

Dortmund come into this game on the back of a 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg before the break, but their form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. Leverkusen, meanwhile, are in scintillating form, having won their last eight games across all competitions, including a dominant 5-1 victory over Freiburg in their final match of 2024. Will Dortmund’s home advantage prove decisive, or can Leverkusen continue their impressive run and strengthen their title defence?

Team Analysis:

Borussia Dortmund:

Dortmund have had a mixed season so far, sitting sixth in the Bundesliga with 25 points from 15 games. Their attacking output has been underwhelming, with just 28 goals scored, putting them on track for their lowest goal tally since the 2014-15 season. Defensively, they have also struggled, conceding 22 goals and keeping only three clean sheets.

Manager Nuri Sahin will be hoping the winter break has allowed his team to regroup and refocus. The 3-1 win over Wolfsburg before the break was a positive sign, with Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy leading the charge. However, Dortmund’s home form has been shaky recently, with one loss and two draws in their last three games at Signal Iduna Park.

Injuries and suspensions have also been a concern. Pascal Gross is suspended after his red card against Wolfsburg, while Niklas Süle remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Key players like Gregor Kobel, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Emre Can will need to step up if Dortmund are to secure a positive result against the champions.

Bayer Leverkusen:

Leverkusen have been in exceptional form, winning their last eight matches across all competitions. Their 5-1 thrashing of Freiburg before the break showcased their attacking prowess, with Patrik Schick scoring four goals. Manager Xabi Alonso has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and they are firmly in the title race, just four points behind Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen’s attack has been firing on all cylinders, scoring 16 goals in their last five Bundesliga games. However, their defence has been less reliable, keeping only one clean sheet in that period. Away form has also been a mixed bag, with three consecutive wins on the road but five winless games prior to that.

Injuries have been kind to Leverkusen, with only Amine Adli ruled out for this clash. Victor Boniface could make a return if he passes a late fitness test, but Patrik Schick is expected to lead the line. The midfield duo of Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will be crucial in controlling the game, while the defensive trio of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie will look to keep Dortmund’s attack at bay.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

The rivalry between Dortmund and Leverkusen has produced some thrilling encounters. In their last 10 meetings, Dortmund have won 4, Leverkusen 3, and 3 have ended in draws. Leverkusen’s 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season was a statement of intent, but Dortmund have historically been strong at home, winning 11 of their last 12 games at Signal Iduna Park before their recent dip in form.

Prediction:

This match is finely balanced, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Leverkusen’s current form and attacking firepower give them the edge, but Dortmund’s home advantage and the return of key players could make this a closely contested affair. Expect Leverkusen to edge it in a high-scoring game.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Betting Tips:

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
  • Anytime Goalscorer: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
  • Hot Stat: Leverkusen have scored 16 goals in their last 5 Bundesliga matches.

Possible Lineups:

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Can; Bynoe-Gittens, Brandt, Beier; Guirassy
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick

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