German Bundesliga
2010-08-29 - Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia M`gladbach
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football : Germany : Bundesliga
Bay Arena
Sunday, 29th August 2010 – Kickoff 15:30
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen started very well with a big victory in Dortmund in the first round and now they will welcome Borussia M'gladbach in a match where they will be big favorites to win.
Bayer Leverkusen sealed their place in the Europa League group phase after winning 3-1 against Tavriya during midweek. Now they will face Borussia M'gladbach well rested as coach Heynckes rested the first team regulars Michael Ballack, Stefan Kiessling, Renato Augusto, Sami Hyypia and Michal Kadlec in that match.
This team played with tighter defense in the first round as well as in the Europa League than they were used to and coach Heynckess used Arturo Vidal and Michael Ballack in front of the four defenders which is change in formation since the last season.
Simon Rolfes and Patrick Helmes are still injured and out of the squad.
Probable Bayer Leverkusen line-up :
Castro, M. Friedrich, Hyypia, Kadlec,
Vidal, Ballack,
Renato Augusto, Barnetta, Sam,
Kiessling
Borussia Monchengladbach
Borussia M'gladbach started the season with 1-1 draw against FC Nurnberg which is not a bad result having on mind that they played a side that is well known as good home team.
They will have tough challenge facing one of the title contenders and will be happy if they can avoid defeat. If Borussia M`gladbach manages even a point that would be a big surprise having on mind the fact that Bayer Leverkusen have not lost to Borussia Monchengladbach for more than 16 years! Since 1994 Bayer Leverkusen have 14 wins and 12 draws against Borussia M'gladbach .
Mohamadou Idrissou scored a fantastic goal in the last match and he will be in the attack partnered with Raul Bobadilla. Also another threat that should pose threat and might be used as secret weapon is the attacking midfielder Marco Reus who had an excellent last season and even Germany coach Joachim Low said that he is considering calling him up in the upcoming friendlies.
During midweek there was a minor scare in the team as the first team goalkeeper Logan Bailly complained to a bruised foot, but latest reports is that the injury is not that serious and he will be between the posts.
However, the new signing Brazilian player Igor de Camargo injured his ankle at a practice and won`t be able to play same as the Algerian International Karim Matmour who suffered another injury (Achilles tendon).
Probable Borussia Monchengladbach line-up :
Levels, Brouwers, Dante, Daems,
Bradley, Marx ,Reus, Arango ,
Bobadilla, Idrissou
The Betting Verdict
Bayer Leverkusen impressed with the way they played last week and i expect them to continue with their good run. Borussia M'gladbach finished twelfth last season and the team has not been changed significantly since last season except for the signing of their new Brazilian striker who will not be able to help.
I think that Bayer Leverkusen will start good and win their first home game of the season. The coach rested all the major players during midweek and they will play in strongest line up unlike Borussia M'gladbach who will miss few players.
The tradition is on Bayer Leverkusen`s side as they have not lost a match against their opponents for almost two decades which is impressive statistics. Everything points to a home victory here and i am taking it.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
