German Cup
2024-12-03 - Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: DFB Pokal Round of 16
Allianz Arena - Munich
Tuesday, 03rd December 2024 - kickoff 20:45 CET
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will face the current German champions, which should be a strong motivation in this cup duel. Whoever progresses, the chances are high that it will win the DFB Pokal. The Bavarians have the home advantage here, so they will likely press to win the game from the start.
However, Bayern Munich must play without their star striker Harry Kane. Kane limped off injured in the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund last weekend and is unavailable. The experienced Thomas Muller will likely replace him in the attack if Serge Gnabry is unavailable due to his knee problems.
Bayern Munich has won eight of their last ten matches, so they are in fantastic form. They are unbeaten since the start of this season, winning five of their six competitive games at Allianz Arena with a goal difference of 14:1. At the end of September, they played a 1-1 draw at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen won 1-2 away at Union Berlin last weekend, playing their seventh straight unbeaten game. Before that win, they beat Heidenheim and RB Salzburg, so they travel to Munich in good form.
So far, Bayer Leverkusen has not lost an away game in Germany this season, winning four and drawing three competitive games. However, four of their last six away games ended in draws, with them winning once and losing once.
Coach Xabi Alonso does not have a proper forward for this game. He will likely play with a false nine or use Patrik Schick in the attack, but he will likely opt for a more defensive formation.
The Betting Verdict
I feel like Bayern Munich will progress from this duel. Bayer Leverkusen are the reigning German champions, but they are not on the same perfect level they were last season.
Even without Kane, Bayern Munich has a strong bench, which is not the case with Bayer Leverkusen. Coach Alonso is now opting for a more closed formation with one striker, and I doubt they will go all in in this game.
It should be a close game, but I would stick with Bayern Munich to win.
The Pick :
Bayern Munich 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
