LIVE stream: Borussia Dortmund vs Leverkusen team sheets - 2014/15 Bundesliga

August 23, 2014 By Samrin Hasib

Topics: Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, Live Stream, TV Schedules, Live Scores, TV Listings

When Dortmund and Leverkusen meet, the scores at the end are very close if not even. This time, the two have a chance to take an early look at each other and draw first blood.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen recently took on Copenhagen in the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League and showed exactly why they frustrate and impress in equal measure. Their attacking play was simply mouthwatering. Each player seemed to be technically excellent. Their midfield consisted of Heung Min Son, Karim Bellarabi and the much hyped new signing, Hakan Calhanoglu. Hakan lived up to his billing as did Son. They acted as suppliers to each other and to the goal hungry, evergreen frontman, Stefan Kiessling.

Kiessling scored Leverkusen's opener within six minutes and Leverkusen seemed to be cruising. Unfortunately, their lack of muscle at the back and in defensive midfield showed as two lax goals from set pieces saw them surrender their lead. Yet, they came back before the first half ended with two strikes of their own through Bellarabi and Son. Both strikes were beautiful ones, both in their setup and execution. The game finished, 2-3, in Leverkusen's favor.

They showed their strength in depth through substitutions; they introduced last season's 17 goal Nürnberg striker, Josip Drmic late on. He will provide a much needed back up option to Kiessling. Also, they brought on highly talented Julian Brandt. Leverkusen could definitely have scored more and were wasteful. Yet, they were very lucky because Emir Spahic could have been sent off for a deliberate handball in the box.

Lax defending will not allow them to get away against Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund has also strengthened over the summer. Henrikh Mkhitaryan seems to have finally settled into the team along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. BVB might need to depend less on Marco Reus this season compared to last season as a result. Also, they will have less worries about fatigue, especially in the striking department, with Ciro Immobile and Adrian Ramos set to share responsibilities.

They might appear a bit thin in defensive midfield though as Nuri Sahin, Sven Bender and Ilkay Gündogan are injury prone. They might have to rely on their ex captain, Sebastian Kehl to sit alongside Bender. Sahin is out of this one with injury. Veteran Oliver Kirch as well as Dong-Won Ji have both sustained injuries and will not be returning soon.

This battle will be extremely closely contested. Who will come out on top?