Another new dawn awaits Bayer Leverkusen as they look to put the Erik ten Hag era behind them, with Kasper Hjulmand making his touchline bow for the club in a Bundesliga home encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt, who have enjoyed a 100% start to the season.
Match News and Current Form
Leverkusen ended Ten Hag’s spell in charge after just 62 days following their worst league start in eight years. Numerous behind-the-scenes issues were said to have contributed to the Dutchman’s sacking, but looking ahead, Die Werkself’s fans will be hoping for better fortunes under former Mainz boss Hjulmand. Despite his iffy record with Mainz (W5, D10, L9), the 53-year-old’s major achievements include leading Nordsjælland to their only Danish top-flight title in 2011/12, and he will again be something of an underdog on his return to Germany.
In contrast to Leverkusen, Frankfurt have been stable under Dino Toppmöller’s stewardship as he enters his 100th game at the helm having masterminded a perfect start to their Bundesliga campaign (W2) ahead of their UEFA Champions League return. Frankfurt last won their first two league games in a season in 2012/13, winning their opening four on their way to a sixth-placed finish - a run which included a 2-1 victory over Leverkusen.
Head-to-Head History
Leverkusen are unbeaten in 54 of the sides' 82 competitive meetings (W41, D13, L28), including the last five H2Hs (W5).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Hjulmand has failed to win on three of his last four managerial debuts (W1, D1, L2).
Three of Leverkusen’s last four league games have produced over 1.5 first-half goals.
Just one of Frankfurt’s last 17 Bundesliga away matches produced a goalless first half.
Frankfurt have avoided defeat in six of their last 11 away league games as pre-match outsiders (W2, D4, L5).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Scorer of a brace on matchday two for Leverkusen, Patrik Schick has netted more times against only two other clubs in his career than his five goals against Frankfurt, a side he is yet to draw against (W6, L5). All four of Ritsu Dōan’s goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this term have come away from home, while he has also scored against Leverkusen in three of the four seasons in which he has faced them.
Leverkusen could welcome back Jeanuël Belocian following his long-term knee injury, while Frankfurt will be sweating on the fitness of Jonathan Burkardt and Mario Götze after both players missed the win over Hoffenheim before the international break.
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Betting Analysis
Given the upheaval at Leverkusen and Frankfurt’s perfect start to the campaign, it could be worth backing a Frankfurt win and both teams to score for a great-value selection.
Author: Matthew Billon