Matchday in focus: Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Solid in defence, variable in attack and ruthless on the counter. Leverkusen profit from qualities that Frankfurt also have in abundance – including chance conversion.

Tactics

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have mastered just about every aspect of football, boasting three consecutive clean sheets in the Bundesliga, the second-most goals on the break (six), the third-highest possession quota (58.8%), the third-highest tackle success rate (51%) and second-best pass completion rate (87%).

However, Eintracht aren’t all that far behind as the fifth-best team when it comes to tackling (51%) and pass success (85%). And the Eagles are top of the class for counter-attacking goals with eight.

The Werkself are generally characterised by a high level of efficiency in front of goal. Their clear-cut chance conversion rate stands at 49%, putting them joint second in the league alongside Frankfurt.

Now in his third season in Leverkusen, coach Xabi Alonso mainly adopts a 3-4-2-1 formation but often varies it depending on the opponents and the situation in the match.

Absentees

Eintracht are without injured pair Igor Matanovic (foot) and Timothy Chandler (thigh) as well as Tuta, who serves a one-match ban after collecting his fifth yellow card.

For the visitors, Piero Hincapié (suspended), Jeanuël Belocian and Martin Terrier (both injured) are unavailable, while Nathan Tella is currently doubtful with a hip problem.

One to watch: Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong is one of the most dynamic players on the right flank and a key figure in Leverkusen’s game. The 24-year-old has continued to develop since his transfer in 2021 and has been one of his team’s top contributors in attack in the current Bundesliga season with three goals and four assists. Frimpong …

Runs and stats

Eintracht have hit the woodwork 12 times this season, while Bayer have done so on 16 occasions, putting both in the top three in the league in this category.

Trigger-happy: the two sides are also second and third behind Bayern when it comes to attempts on goal. Eintracht have had 335 shots, Leverkusen 360.

Sprint machines: Frankfurt (5,442) and Leverkusen (5,658) have respectively registered the fourth-most and second-most sprints in the German top flight.