Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Die Werkself seek points against favorite opponents

Champions League hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen are aiming for their eighth successive win at Borussia-Park.

Bayer Leverkusen are looking to extend their excellent record away at Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Topspiel of matchday 21.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Eugen Polanski’s side started the new year with a spectacular 4-0 win against FC Augsburg, but that’s now the only victory in their last seven games. Their only other home game in 2026 ended with a 3-0 defeat to VfB Stuttgart a fortnight ago.

Gladbach also have a poor record in recent head-to-head games against Leverkusen at Borussia-Park. Since their 5-0 defeat in the second round of the 2018-19 DFB-Pokal, the Foals are winless in seven home games against the 2023-24 double winners.

Team News

20-year-old Argentine striker Alejo Sarco will face the club he just left on a loan deal. Gladbach concluded their productive transfer window with the deadline day signing of Hugo Bolin. The two-time Swedish champion could make his debut on Saturday against the Bundesliga’s sixth-placed team.

Bayer Leverkusen

Despite their excellent record away at Gladbach, Leverkusen dropped two points at home in the reverse fixture after Haris Tabakovic’s injury-time equalizer. Malik Tillman, who scored the goal for Kasper Hjulmand’s side on that night, is now in top form for the Champions League participants.

The USMNT international scored three goals in wins over Villarreal and Eintracht Frankfurt. After starting 2026 with defeats to direct rivals Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, Leverkusen are now back on track as they aim to finish in the top four.

Team News

Janis Blaswich will return to his boyhood club, while fellow goalkeeper Jonas Omlin was a former Borussia Mönchengladbach captain. Ex-Bochum player Tim Oermann is preparing for his 50th Bundesliga appearance after Leverkusen recalled him from a loan spell at Sturm Graz.

Predicted Lineups

Gladbach: Nicolas; Sander, Elvedi, Diks; Scally, Engelhardt, Ullrich; Reitz ©, Neuhaus; Honorat, Tabakovic

Leverkusen: Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich ©, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernandez, Aleix Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Terrier; Schick