Bayer Leverkusen host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena on Sunday afternoon with both clubs maintaining a 100% record to start 2023. With a win, BVB can close the gap to Bayern Munich to just three points.
Edin Terzić has also been handed a boost with the return of captain Marco Reus. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured in the Bundesliga since November 5 and although not expected to start against Bayer Leverkusen, Reus remains an excellent option off the bench after recovering from an illness.
Borussia Dortmund are also likely to name the same back four that started in their 2-1 win against Mainz in midweek whilst Jude Bellingham also returns following a suspension – the Englishman is likely to replace Salih Özcan with Julian Brandt playing a more attacking role.
One smart move from Terzić would be to start Gio Reyna ahead of Donyell Malen. The latter has struggled this season and Reyna has scored two goals in his last two games, both match-winners for BVB.
As for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, the pace of Jeremie Frimpong and Moussa Diaby may cause Borussia Dortmund problems, and Florian Wirtz could be in line for successive starts.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Bayer Leverkusen
Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, Raphaël Guerreiro – Emre Can, Jude Bellingham – Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Gio Reyna – Youssoufa Moukoko.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
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