Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Die Fohlen searching for first win

Like Gladbach, Leverkusen have already sacked a head coach this season, dismissing Erik ten Hag after just three games in charge. Die Werkself quickly turned to former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, who kicked off his tenure with a 3-1 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Two Álex Grimaldo free-kicks helped Leverkusen clinch the spoils, despite finishing the game with nine men. 

Grimaldo netted another stunning free-kick in Thursday’s Champions League away clash against Copenhagen. The wing-back cancelled out Jordan Larsson’s opener in the 82nd minute, before Robert quickly restored Copenhagen’s advantage. However, Leverkusen managed to salvage a 2-2 draw thanks to an 91st-minute own goal, ensuring they returned to Germany with a point to show for their efforts. 

Having gone three games without defeat, Leverkusen will be confident of picking up another positive result on Sunday after winning nine and drawing two of their last 11 Bundesliga games against Gladbach. In fact, Leverkusen completed a league double over die Fohlen last term, clinching a 3-2 away win in August 2024, before running out 3-1 winners in January’s home clash. 

Leverkusen are without the injured duo of Exequiel Palacios and Martin Terrier. Hjulmand is hopeful that Nathan Tella will prove his fitness in time to play a role in Sunday’s fixture.

Meanwhile, Robert Andrich and Equi Fernández are both set to serve one-match bans after being sent off against Frankfurt last weekend. 

Predicted lineup: Flekken; Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba; Vázquez, Tillman, García, Grimaldo; Tella, Echeverri, Schick

Gladbach are searching for a new permanent head coach after sacking Gerardo Seoane following a poor start to the season. Die Fohlen started the Bundesliga campaign with a goalless draw against Hamburg, before they suffered back-to-back defeats against Stuttgart and Werder Bremen. Last Sunday’s heavy 4-0 loss to Werder ultimately proved to be Seoane’s final game in charge of the club.