Bayer Leverkusen will hope to secure a home win when they welcome SC Freiburg to BayArena on Sunday night.

Bayer Leverkusen will look to maintain their top-four pursuit when they host SC Freiburg at the BayArena on Sunday. Both teams enter the match in solid domestic form, though the hosts will be keen to respond after a bruising midweek setback in Europe.

Die Werkself currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga with 14 points, having edged out Mainz 05 4–3 in a thrilling encounter on October 18. SC Freiburg, meanwhile, are 11th with nine points after holding Eintracht Frankfurt to a 2–2 draw a day later.

Kasper Hjulmand’s Bayer Leverkusen continue to play some of the league’s most entertaining football. Their chaotic win over Mainz showcased both their attacking verve and defensive volatility, they led 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 before eventually prevailing, recording 18 shots inside the box and seven big chances.

Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s brief two-game tenure, has steadied the ship impressively, collecting four wins and a draw from his first five Bundesliga outings. His fluid, front-foot philosophy has brought renewed momentum domestically, even if their Champions League campaign has started poorly.

A 7-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday exposed Leverkusen’s defensive flaws. They have managed just one clean sheet in their past ten matches across competitions, although they have scored first in all seven league fixtures this term, a sign of how quickly they impose themselves on games.

At home, Die Werkself have been difficult to beat, losing only once in their last five at the BayArena. A victory on Sunday would be their third home win in six matches, reaffirming their strong domestic credentials despite midweek disappointment.

Julian Schuster’s Freiburg arrive in Leverkusen unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, with four wins and four draws during that run. Their disciplined approach and efficient use of set pieces have been key to this consistency.

Although Freiburg conceded twice against Eintracht Frankfurt, that was the only occasion in their previous eight games that they allowed more than one goal. The team has kept two clean sheets in their last three Bundesliga fixtures and continues to punch above its weight through organisation and resilience.

Offensively, Freiburg remain one of the most dangerous sides from dead-ball situations, scoring six of their 14 league goals from set plays, a tally bettered only by Leverkusen themselves, who have seven. On the road, Schuster’s men have lost just once in five away matches, winning two and drawing two of their last four.

However, Freiburg’s recent record against Bayer Leverkusen is less encouraging. The Breisgau Brazilians are winless in their last five meetings, losing three, and they will need to break that streak to continue their climb up the table.

Bayer Leverkusen are expected to persist with their attack-minded 4-3-3 system against SC Freiburg, with overlapping full-backs and inverted wingers providing width and directness. Expect Hjulmand’s midfield trio to control possession while his front line looks to exploit Freiburg’s compact defensive shape with quick interchanges and off-the-ball runs.

Freiburg, conversely, will likely deploy a more cautious 3-4-2-1 setup, focusing on defensive structure and pressing triggers in midfield. Their set-piece routines and counter-attacks down the flanks will be vital, particularly if they can isolate Leverkusen’s full-backs in transitions. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen head into Sunday’s fixture with a few selection concerns in midfield and defence. Exequiel Palacios is sidelined with a groin issue, which deprives Kasper Hjulmand of one of his most technically secure central midfielders. His absence is likely to see Ezequiel Fernandez and Aleix Garcia form the central pairing, offering balance between Fernandez’s defensive discipline and Garcia’s distribution.

At the back, Loic Bade and Edmond Tapsoba were both involved in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with Robert Andrich filling in alongside them in a makeshift defensive role. However, Jarell Quansah has recovered from a knee injury and is expected to return to the starting XI, adding composure and aerial strength to the backline.

Teenage striker Christian Kofane, who has been in excellent form with three goals in his last four matches, is expected to spearhead the attack once again. The 18-year-old’s movement and confidence in front of goal have quickly made him a fan favourite and a vital part of Hjulmand’s offensive system.

Kasper Hjulmand is expected to persist with his dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation, designed to control midfield while maintaining attacking width through the wing-backs. Mark Flekken will continue in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Jarell Quansah on the right, Loic Bade in the central role, and Edmond Tapsoba on the left. This trio combines youth, pace, and physicality, allowing Leverkusen to build from the back with confidence.

On the flanks, Arthur will occupy the right wing-back position, providing overlapping runs and defensive cover, while Alex Grimaldo will feature on the left, offering creativity and delivery from wide areas. The central midfield pairing of Equi Fernandez and Aleix Garcia will be crucial in dictating tempo, Fernandez breaking up opposition attacks, and Garcia orchestrating play through vertical passes.

Ahead of them, Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poku will operate as the two advanced midfielders, tasked with linking midfield to attack and supporting Kofane through intelligent movement between the lines. Christian Kofane, leading the line, will look to press Freiburg’s defenders aggressively while making sharp runs in behind to exploit space created by Leverkusen’s fluid buildup.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Poku; Kofane

SC Freiburg

SC Freiburg will make the trip to the BayArena without their influential playmaker Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who has been ruled out through injury. The Ghanaian attacking midfielder’s absence robs Freiburg of one of their most creative outlets, particularly in transition play and set-piece situations.

Head coach Julian Schuster is therefore expected to hand Lucas Holer a start in the central attacking role behind the striker, allowing the experienced forward to link midfield and attack with his intelligent movement and work rate.

Aside from Kyereh, Freiburg have no fresh suspension worries, and Schuster will be relieved to have most of his regular starters available. Midfielders Johan Manzambi and Maximilian Eggestein are both fit and expected to start, tasked with shielding the backline and maintaining compactness in central areas. Their discipline will be vital against a Leverkusen side that thrives on quick passing and rotations through midfield.

At the back, Freiburg’s defensive pairing of Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart will once again form the heart of the defence, offering a blend of leadership and composure. Both have been reliable figures this season, contributing to Freiburg’s strong defensive record.

Julian Schuster is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to maintain defensive stability while providing options for counter-attacks. Noah Atubolu will start in goal, supported by a back four comprising Lukas Kubler at right-back, Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart as the central defensive duo, and Jordy Makengo slotting in at left-back.

In midfield, the double pivot of Maximilian Eggestein and Johan Manzambi will focus on breaking up Leverkusen’s attacking flow and distributing the ball quickly to the flanks. Their positional awareness will be critical in protecting the defensive line and minimizing Leverkusen’s ability to play between the lines.

Ahead of them, Lucas Holer will operate in the No.10 role, tasked with connecting midfield to attack and supporting the lone striker. On the wings, Eren Dinkci will feature on the right and Derry Scherhant on the left, both providing pace and width to stretch the opposition defence. Up front, Junior Adamu will lead the line, using his speed and physicality to challenge Leverkusen’s back three and capitalise on any defensive lapses.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Manzambi; Dinkci, Holer, Scherhant; Adamu

Key Stats

• Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last five matches against SC Freiburg in all competitions, winning three and drawing two. Freiburg’s last victory over Leverkusen came back in February 2022.

• Bayer Leverkusen have lost only one of their last ten Bundesliga home games, winning seven and scoring at least two goals in eight of those fixtures.

• Die Werkself have scored first in all seven of their league matches this season, underlining their aggressive starts and ability to take early control of games.

• Both teams are among the Bundesliga’s most dangerous from set pieces. Leverkusen have scored seven goals from dead-ball situations, the second-highest in the league, while Freiburg have netted six, ranking third overall.

• Julian Schuster’s side are unbeaten in eight consecutive matches across all competitions (four wins, four draws), conceding only six goals during that stretch.

Player to Watch

Christian Kofane

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At just 18 years old, Christian Kofane has quickly become one of Bayer Leverkusen’s most exciting young talents. The teenage forward has scored three goals in his last four appearances, showcasing a level of composure and maturity well beyond his years. His emergence has added a fresh dimension to Kasper Hjulmand’s attack, one built on pace, instinct, and clever positioning.

Kofane’s movement inside the box makes him a constant threat to opposing defenders. He frequently drifts between the lines, exploiting half-spaces and anticipating crosses with sharp timing. What sets him apart, however, is his ability to combine instinctive finishing with intelligent link-up play. His understanding with creative outlets like Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poku has been central to Leverkusen’s attacking rhythm in recent weeks.

Against a disciplined Freiburg backline featuring Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart, Kofane’s quickness and unpredictability could prove decisive. If he continues his fine run of form, the teenager may once again be the difference-maker for Leverkusen, reinforcing his reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young prospects.

Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 SC Freiburg

Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking quality, home advantage, and overall squad depth make them firm favourites heading into this clash. Despite their heavy midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Kasper Hjulmand’s side have shown resilience in bouncing back domestically and possess the firepower to trouble any opponent in the league. Their ability to start matches strongly and maintain pressure through wide play and set pieces should again be key at the BayArena.

SC Freiburg arrive unbeaten in eight across all competitions and have tightened up defensively under Julian Schuster. However, their record against Leverkusen, coupled with the hosts’ superior creativity and tempo, suggests this may be one challenge too many. Freiburg will look to frustrate the champions and strike from dead-ball opportunities, but they may struggle to contain Leverkusen’s dynamic front line for the full ninety minutes.

Expect Freiburg to be competitive, but Leverkusen’s sharper edge in attack, particularly through Christian Kofane’s finishing and Jonas Hofmann’s craft, should tilt the balance in favour of the hosts. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Kasper Hjulmand and his charges.