Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Max Parsons
Bayern Munich will aim for a third successive Bundesliga victory on Saturday afternoon when they host Bayer Leverkusen.
Julian Nagelsmann's side have recovered well from a calamitous week in which they were thrashed 4-2 by VfL Bochum and drew at RB Salzburg to embark on a two-match winning streak. Following a 4-1 thumping of Greuther Furth, Die Roten earned a good 1-0 win at tricky Eintracht Frankfurt last time out.
Now boasting an eight-point cushion at the Bundesliga summit, they host another tough team to play in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen. Occupying third spot in the table, Gerardo Seoane's side have won five of their previous six league outings, most recently beating Arminia Bielefeld 3-0.
Here's 90min's preview of this one.
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen on TV/live stream
When is kick off? Saturday 5 February, 14:30 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Allianz Arena, Munich
TV channel? ESPN+ (US)
Highlights? Sky Sports Football YouTube channel
Bayern Munich team news
Manuel Neuer returned to training this week, although Sven Ulreich is expected to continue between the sticks for this one.
Elsewhere, Alphonso Davies will continue his absence from action along with the injured midfield duo of Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso. Bouna Sarr will also miss out due to a knock, while Lucas Hernandez is ruled out through suspension.
There is some good news, though, as Thomas Muller is set to return following the end of his Covid-19 isolation.
Bayer Leverkusen team news
The big absentee for the visitors is Patrik Schick, the only man not named Robert Lewandowski to have hit the 20-goal mark this season. His return to the fold is expected to be in a couple of weeks.
Karim Bellarabi and Andrey Lunev are also confirmed to be out of contention, while Sardar Azmoun and Julian Baumgartlinger are doubtful to feature.
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen head-to-head record
As with so many fellow German clubs, Bayer Leverkusen have, for the majority, been resigned to defeat against Bayern Munich.
In 94 meetings, Die Roten have managed 59 victories, while the Eternal Bridesmaids have won just 19 times.
Should Saturday's visitors get three points - or even one - they'll need to end Bayern's five-match winning streak in this fixture, in which time they've notched 17 goals.
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen score prediction
Two weeks ago, this would have been extremely tight to call and, while it still promises to be an intriguingly fought contest, Bayern will head into the clash as firm favourites having regained at least some of their usual mojo.
Leverkusen are, of course, a brilliant side worthy of their plaudits but, with two well-earned victories behind them and a key figure in Muller set to return, you'd have to back Bayern for the win.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen