Leverkusen vs Bayern is live in 127 countries on December 19, 2020: here's how to watch it

Topics: TV Schedules, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga

A tantalizing top two clash awaits as Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich lock horns on Saturday, December 19th. Live Soccer TV's match preview provides key match stats, team news, and international broadcast listings for Leverkusen vs Bayern

Preview: Leverkusen vs Bayern

As things stand, it's Bayer Leverkusen who actually sit on top of the Bundesliga table, ahead of reigning champions Bayern Munich. Certainly, that's not something that many fans would have expected to see, and while it is only by one point, it will give die Werkself a spot of confidence as they welcome the Bavarian giants for what will be a very interesting showdown on Saturday evening.

Leverkusen notably were beaten in the DFB-Pokal final earlier this season by Bayern as die Roten went on to win their second treble, so it goes without saying that they certainly will want to avenge that loss. The hosts come into this match in fine form, with wins in four of their last five games which is enough to see them sit just ahead of Bayern and Leipzig in the league table. Peter Bosz's men are also the only side who are still unbeaten in the league, with eight wins and four draws from their first 12 matches, and that includes a very comfortable 4-0 road victory against Cologne in last weekend's Rhine Derby.

The hosts have been given a huge boost lately with the form of Jamaican international Leon Bailey, who has finally found his groove after a difficult start to the season. Bailey comes into this match having scored nine times in his last nine games across all competitions, and that is further helped with the return of top goalscorer Lucas Alario, who has netted eight league goals so far this season. However, given that Alario has spent quite a bit of time on the treatment table, and has only been involved in the team's last few games as a sub, Bosz may not want to rush him back as a full starter just yet.

Meanwhile, Bayern rebounded after a surprise 1-1 draw with Union Berlin by edging out Wolfsburg, thanks to a brace from Robert Lewandowski. The stalemate with Union Berlin has cost them somewhat, as they have slipped to second in the table, but Hansi Flick's side have still only lost just once this term. Still, their defense has looked worryingly shaky lately, as they have conceded first in their last six matches, and despite not losing any of those, it is naturally something they will want to address and modify quickly as they head into the second part of the season.

Team news: Leverkusen vs Bayern

Leverkusen: The hosts will have to deal with a slew of absentees leading up to this match, with skipper Charles Aranguiz (Achilles tendon), Sven Bender (knee), Paulinho (knee), Santiago Arias (ankle), and Exequiel Palacios (back) all out. In addition, Sven's twin, Lars, may miss this one due to a recent knock.

Bayern: New signing Tanguy Nianzou will still have to wait to make his full debut as he continues to deal with a thigh injury that has kept him out for this campaign, while Leon Goretzka will not make the trip due to muscular issues. It remains to be seen whether Joshua Kimmich and Javi Martinez will be part of the group as they're both recovering from knee and thigh injuries respectively.

Match facts: Leverkusen vs Bayern

Current Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski has no issues with scoring against most sides...
...except Leverkusen. The Polish star has only scored four times in 17 Bundesliga games against Leverkusen. Two of those have been in nine matches for his current club.
By contrast, Jamaican international Leon Bailey has scored four in nine appearances against Bayern
Leverkusen have won two of their last three ties against Bayern...
...and have lost just three times in their last 11 at home (W3 D5)