Soccer
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Bayer Leverkusen begin a fresh chapter on Friday evening when they host Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena in an eye-catching Bundesliga clash.
It will mark the first outing in charge for new head coach Kasper Hjulmand, while the visitors arrive intent on extending their flawless start to the campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen stunned many earlier this month by dismissing Erik ten Hag just weeks into his tenure, with the Dutchman lasting only three competitive fixtures. His short spell included a comfortable DFB-Pokal win and a dramatic 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, but off-field tensions – from trust issues to reports of player unrest over training methods – brought a swift end.
That decision set an unwanted Bundesliga record, making Ten Hag the first manager dismissed after only two league matches.
Now, Kasper Hjulmand steps into the hot seat on a two-year deal, tasked with steadying the ship and lifting spirits around the BayArena. The Dane, who had been without a club since leaving the national team job in 2023, faces a difficult opening stretch of fixtures but will hope to lay down early foundations.
Team News
Having had just two sessions with his new squad, Hjulmand may stick closely to the side that let a two-goal lead slip in Bremen.
Jeanuel Belocian is pushing for a return from a serious knee injury and could be eased back in, while veteran Jonas Hofmann remains sidelined with a hamstring problem that has kept him out since last season’s finale.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt arrive at the BayArena full of confidence, having opened the new season in devastating fashion. Dino Toppmoller’s side swept aside Engers 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal before following up with emphatic Bundesliga wins over Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim, scoring seven goals across those two fixtures.
With firepower aplenty, Frankfurt have already shown signs of matching – or even bettering – their attacking exploits from last term, when only Dortmund, Bayern and Friday’s opponents Leverkusen found the net more often. That momentum makes them dangerous opponents for a Leverkusen side still reeling from managerial upheaval.
However, Toppmoller must also manage resources carefully, with Frankfurt’s Champions League opener against Galatasaray looming next week. Even so, ending an 11-match losing streak against Leverkusen will be a major incentive for the visitors.
Team News
In terms of personnel, Kaua Santos remains sidelined, meaning Michael Zetterer should continue between the posts.
World Cup winner Mario Gotze is a fitness concern due to a muscle issue, while forward Jessic Ngankam is also doubtful after recent leg problems.
Conclusion
It has already been a season of upheaval for Bayer Leverkusen, who find themselves adjusting to a second managerial change before September is even out. With Kasper Hjulmand only just through the door and still settling in, Die Werkself may take time to rediscover stability.
That uncertainty gives in-form Eintracht Frankfurt a golden opportunity. Having hit the ground running with a flurry of goals and three straight wins across competitions, Dino Toppmoller’s side arrive in Leverkusen brimming with confidence.
Given their momentum and Leverkusen’s turbulence, the Eagles look well placed to finally end their poor head-to-head run and end up claiming all three points on Friday night.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Read MoreVeselin Trajkovic