The first day of the 2022-23 Bundesliga immediately brings a big match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, who finished in second and third place respectively last season, qualifying for the Champions League group stage. Looking back at recent history, there is rarely a lack of spectacle when these two teams clash: for example, last February’s resounding 5-2 victory over the Aspirins at Signal Iduna Park. Will it be the same this time? The chances are there, even though both the Gialloneri have changed a lot in the current market and will have to reckon with several absences.
But let’s go in order. Edin Terzic is back on the Borussia Dortmund bench. He had led Germany’s second-most titled club after Lucien Favre’s dismissal in the 2020-21 season, ending his time as first-team coach with a German Cup victory. He had left the post to Marco Rose, but the former Borussia Monchengladbach coach’s adventure only lasted one year.
Terzic has the difficult task of dealing with the traumatic post-Haaland situation ahead of him: the Norwegian slinger went to Manchester City and the man who was supposed to be his replacement, former Ajax player Sebastien Haller, discovered during the training camp that he had testicular cancer and will be out indefinitely after the operation. The other new arrivals are Sule (also absent against Bayer), Schlotterbeck, Adeyemi and Ozcan. There is little new in the Aspirins’ squad: the only movement is the departure of striker Alario. A void filled by the interesting Cero Hlozek, who will flank compatriot Patrik Schick, the second highest goalscorer in Bundesliga 21-22.
How to watch Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen live on TV and streaming
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Borussia Dortmund-Bayer Leverkusen is scheduled for Saturday at 18:30. It can be seen on live TV exclusively for Sky subscribers on Sky Sport Uno (channel 201) and Sky Sport 4K (channel 213). The same broadcast will also be available in streaming via Sky Go, the service for mobile devices, and on NOW, Sky’s live and on-demand platform.
The Prediction
In spite of the absences – Bayer coach Gerardo Seoane will have to do without Wirtz, who is out through injury – a spectacular match looms at Signa Iduna Park. Leverkusen will want to redeem the resounding elimination from the German Cup against modest Elversberg. Dortmund, on the other hand, had lost their last two friendlies against Valencia and Villarreal before overwhelming 1860 Munich 3-0 in the cup. We are with the hosts, who should be able to avoid defeat in a match with a total of more than three goals.
Borussia Dortmund-Bayer Leverkusen
likely line-ups
BORUSSIA DORTMUND (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Meunier, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro; Dahoud, Bellingham; Malen, Reus, Adeyemi; Moukoko.
BAYER LEVERKUSEN (4-2-3-1): Hradecky; Frimpong, Kossounou, Tapsoba, Bakker; Aranguiz, Andrich; Diaby, Azmoun, Hlozek; Schick.
