Soccer <\/p>\n
Verdict: Away win<\/strong><\/p>\n Best odds: 9\/5<\/strong><\/p>\n Bookmaker: Luckster<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Bayer Leverkusen begin a fresh chapter on Friday evening when they host Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena in an eye-catching Bundesliga clash.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 from trust issues to reports of player unrest over training methods \u2013 brought a swift end.<\/p>\n That decision set an unwanted Bundesliga record, making Ten Hag the first manager dismissed after only two league matches.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s finale.<\/p>\n Eintracht Frankfurt arrive at the BayArena full of confidence, having opened the new season in devastating fashion. Dino Toppmoller\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n With firepower aplenty, Frankfurt have already shown signs of matching \u2013 or even bettering \u2013 their attacking exploits from last term, when only Dortmund, Bayern and Friday\u2019s opponents Leverkusen found the net more often. That momentum makes them dangerous opponents for a Leverkusen side still reeling from managerial upheaval.<\/p>\n However, Toppmoller must also manage resources carefully, with Frankfurt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n In terms of personnel, Kaua Santos remains sidelined, meaning Michael Zetterer should continue between the posts.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s side arrive in Leverkusen brimming with confidence.<\/p>\n Given their momentum and Leverkusen\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Verdict: Away win<\/strong><\/p>\n Best odds: 9\/5<\/strong><\/p>\n Bookmaker: Luckster<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBayer Leverkusen<\/h3>\n
Team News<\/h4>\n
Eintracht Frankfurt<\/h3>\n
Team News<\/h4>\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n