Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Top four-chasing Dortmund look for huge win
The build-up to this clash has been overshadowed by confirmation that manager Xabi Alonso will leave the club at the end of the campaign, with strong speculation linking him to a summer move to Real Madrid. Leverkusen edged Dortmund 3-2 in their January league meeting, but that remains their only victory against the visitors in their last five meetings, with two defeats suffered in that stretch.
While Die Werkself are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, they've also been held to three draws in that span. At BayArena, Alonso's men have been inconsistent, winning two and drawing one of their last three, but had previously gone three home games without a win, suffering two losses and a draw.
Team News
Leverkusen will be without defenders Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, and Nordi Mukiele due to injury. Still, regulars Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie are fit and expected to anchor the backline.
Granit Xhaka remains a central figure in midfield and should start alongside Aleix Garcia, while Florian Wirtz is set to lead the attack alongside Emiliano Buendia and Patrik Schick.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, arrive in Leverkusen fresh from a commanding 4-0 win over Wolfsburg, in which they created four big chances and racked up nearly 2.5 xG. Manager Niko Kovac will be pleased with his team's recent attacking form, having scored 12 goals in their last four matches, though their defence remains a concern, with five goals conceded during that same stretch.
Dortmund currently sit in the Europa League spot, one point behind fourth-placed Freiburg and still within reach of the final Champions League berth with two games remaining.
BVB head into Sunday's clash riding a wave of momentum, having won four consecutive matches in all competitions and five of their last six in the Bundesliga. However, their away form has been erratic, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their past five road trips, suggesting vulnerability when not at Signal Iduna Park.
Team News
Dortmund have relatively few injury concerns, with only centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out until October and attacker Maximilian Beier sidelined until the end of May. Kovac may stick with his favoured back three of Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini.
Up front, Serhou Guirassy, who has scored 32 goals across all competitions, will spearhead the attack, with creative support expected from Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi.
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