Bundesliga: Dortmund, Leverkusen Set for Another High-Scoring Showdown

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen

After winning their first two matches of the season, Borussia Dortmund were on the wrong end of the biggest shock of the young Bundesliga season when they were stunned 3-1 by newly promoted Union Berlin.

The setback was a costly one as it saw them fall behind fellow title challengers RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich — who look back to their devastating best — in the table.

They will now look to bounce back against the team directly above them in the table — Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen’s perfect start to the season was also ended just before the break when they drew at home against Hoffenheim.

The Bundesliga 2019 betting odds favour the BVB to get back on track at home, where they have been excellent. But Leverkusen will pose a dangerous threat to Dortmund due to their talented attack.

Talking Points

Dortmund stars on fire

It’s been an odd start to the season for Dortmund, who have fallen behind early in each of their first three Bundesliga matches. And while they managed to come back strong in the second half in wins against Augsburg (5-1) and Koln (3-1), they were unable to do so away to Union Berlin.

Despite having an astounding 74 per cent of possession, they were outshot 15-13 by the Bundesliga new boys.

But that doesn’t figure to happen again at home. Dortmund have been very impressive at Signal Iduna Park, where they’ve won 15 of their last 18 Bundesliga matches (two draws, one defeat) and have scored at least two goals in each of those matches.

Moreover, their key stars will be returning from the international break brimming with confidence. Paco Alcacer, who has been on fire this season with four goals in his first three games, carried over his fine form for Spain as he scored three times in their two qualifiers. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho impressed once again on England duty as he scored twice in their 5-3 win over Kosovo.

The trio of Alacacer, Sancho, and Marco Reus has haunted Leverkusen in recent seasons. They’ve combined to score seven goals in their last three meetings.

The match will also be former Leverkusen forward Julian Brandt’s first time facing his old side following his summer move. The 23-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 165 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen, should have a bit more motivation to go out and play well against his former club.

Peter Bosz looks to have a full squad available for the trip to Signal Iduna Park on Saturday in the Bundesliga — Peter Bosz coaching players on sideline

Leverkusen attack looking dangerous

Bayern Leverkusen finished last season strong as they won five of their last six matches to qualify for the Champions League. Peter Bosz’s side then carried over that momentum through the first two games of this season with wins over Paderborn (3-2) and Fortuna Dusseldorf (3-1).

But their winning run finally came to an end with a 0-0 draw against Hoffenheim. However, Leverkusen should consider themselves unlucky not to win that match, which they dominated. They had 75 per cent of possession, had a 20-6 edge in shots, and even had 19 corners to nil.

The attacking quintet of Kevin Volland, Kai Havertz, Leon Bailey, Karim Bellarabi, and Kerem Demirbay has been creating Bundesliga 2019 highlights as expected. Four of those five have already found the net this season.

They weren’t quite as active during the international break as their Dortmund counterparts, although Havertz did come on as a substitute in both of Germany’s Euro qualifiers, which included a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, Volland has a habit of scoring against Dortmund; he has three goals in his last five meetings against them. He will once again lead a Leverkusen attack that looks more than capable of giving the Dortmund defence some problems.

History

Dortmund have dominated their matchup against Leverkusen in recent years. They have gone unbeaten in their last five meetings (four wins, one draw) and have won nine of the last 15 (three draws, three defeats).

Dortmund also haven’t had any problems scoring goals against Leverkusen. They’ve scored at least three goals in four of their last five meetings and have scored a total of 16 goals in their last four home games.

Betting Tip

	Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen	Over 3.50 Goals @ 2.13
	September 14, 21:30 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have Dortmund priced as significant favourites at 1.80 on the 1X2 market, with Leverkusen at 4.00 and the draw at 3.75.

With Dortmund’s recent home form, coupled with their strong history against Leverkusen, betting on a home win would be a wise move.

But the odds that bring more value are on the over under. Over 3.50 goals is currently priced at 2.13, which are quite favourable.

Given the fact that four of their last five meetings have seen at least five goals and that five of the six matches involving Dortmund and Leverkusen this season have had at least four goals, it seems like a safe bet that this will be another high-scoring affair.