Bayer Leverkusen can take top spot in the Bundesliga with a win at TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday. Christian Ilzer's side currently sits fourth with 13 points from six games, just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich. Their league record reads four wins, one draw, and one loss, having scored 16 goals and conceded nine for a positive goal difference.
The team travels to Sinsheim on a perfect run of five consecutive victories. These include a 2-0 win at OFI Crete in the Europa League and a 2-1 home victory over SC Freiburg in the league. In that match, Ibrahim Maza equalized before Patrik Schick scored the winner. Top scorer Patrik Schick, with six goals this season, was decisive against Freiburg with a goal and an assist. Their recent form across the last five competitive games is a flawless five wins and no draws or losses, which also features a 4-0 away win at Lech Poznan and a 4-3 victory at Mainz 05.
They face a Hoffenheim side that has been defensively shaky, conceding 18 goals already this season and keeping just one clean sheet. However, the last meeting on 17 January ended in a 1-0 defeat for Leverkusen. Coach Ilzer also has to cope without three injured players: Nathan De Cat, Albian Hajdari and Patrick Wimmer are sidelined. The current standings show Leverkusen on track.
The match in Hoffenheim is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. If Leverkusen wins and Bayern Munich does not win its later game against Freiburg, the Werkself will lead the Bundesliga. The full schedule for the coming weeks is on the fixtures page.
Further reading: focus.de
