Bundesliga Kick-Off: Gladbach vs. Leverkusen - Preview & Predicted Lineups
Gerardo Seoane's Borussia Mönchengladbach will be aiming for a much improved season after a nervy escape from relegation last term, while Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen face the challenge of defending their title.
The first game of the new campaign sees these two rivals go head-to-head on Friday at Borussia-Park. It's a clash that promises to be full of intrigue, with both sides boasting impressive squads and aiming for a strong start to the season.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Die Fohlen finished just one point above the relegation play-off spot last season, a far cry from their ambitions. New manager Seoane, who previously led Bayer Leverkusen, has been tasked with revitalising the team.
They've started the new campaign with a positive 3-1 win over Aue in the DFB-Pokal. However, they face a much sterner test against a Leverkusen side that has been dominant in recent years.
Memories of last season's home defeat to Leverkusen, where they were comprehensively beaten 0-3, will still be fresh in the minds of the Gladbach players. They did manage a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture, but they were fortunate to escape with a point on that occasion.
Ahead of the clash, Seoane acknowledged the quality of his former club: "They are a side with a lot of quality, both individually and as a team. Our job is to bring the necessary attributes and discipline to the pitch to cause them problems."
Team News:
Gladbach have strengthened their squad with the arrival of striker Tim Kleindienst (Heidenheim), attacking midfielder Kevin Stöger (VfL Bochum), and central midfielder Philipp Sander (Holstein Kiel).
Loan players Jordan and Maximilian Wöber have departed, but the majority of last season's key players remain. The future of dynamic midfielder Manu Koné is uncertain, with rumours linking him with a move away from the club.
Injury Update:
Borges Sanches (knee) and Olschowsky (knee) are ruled out of Friday's game. Elvedi, however, is fit and available after recovering from a foot problem.
Bayer Leverkusen
Having dominated the Bundesliga last season, with an unbeaten campaign and a double winning season, Bayer Leverkusen are now the "hunted ones" according to manager Xabi Alonso.
"This is a new situation for most of us, to have to defend something and not sit back and be satisfied with the successes of the past," said midfield linchpin Granit Xhaka.
Despite facing the pressure of defending their title, Leverkusen demonstrated their character in the recent Supercup clash against VfB Stuttgart. They fought back from 2-1 down to earn a 2-2 draw with 10 men before securing victory in a penalty shootout.
Their high technical quality, creative playing style, and unwavering morale make them a formidable force. If they can maintain these attributes, they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Team News:
Leverkusen have largely retained their title-winning squad, with substitute Adam Hlozek being the most notable departure.
New additions Martin Terrier, Aleix Garcia, and Jeanuel Belocian have further bolstered their already impressive squad.
Injury Update:
Exequiel Palacios (knee) is the only absentee for Leverkusen on Friday.
Despite disciplinary action being taken against them by the German Football Association (DFB) following the Supercup final, both Martin Terrier and Victor Boniface are available for selection. Boniface is suspended for one DFB-Pokal match, while Terrier has a two-match ban in the same competition.
Click here to see our predicted Gladbach vs. Leverkusen lineups.
