Bayer Leverkusen vs. MSV Duisburg

Standings: Bayer Leverkusen (5^th – 21 points) vs. MSV Duisburg (17^th – 9 points)

When: Saturday 24^th November 2007 (1430 CET)Where: BayArena, Leverkusen  

Stark Contrast Bayer comes into this match on a high note, unbeaten in four of their last six matches in all competitions and in the zone for European places whereas the ‘Zebras’ have lost five of their last six matches and are currently on a run of four consecutive defeats. Rudi Bommer sees his side in the deep end of the relegation zone and will be looking to stem the rot.   

Youth To The Fore Michael Skibbe would be looking to his youthful Bayer side to come up with some sort of consistency in their performances so that they could push for the Champions League places for the next term. Skibbe would be pleased with the way his youthful side has come of age. He has had to do without two of his most experienced players for most of the season so far but the young players like Simon Rolfes, Artur Vidal and Stefan Kiessling have come to the fore and given a good account of themselves. Carsten Ramelow and Bernd Schneider are long-term absentees but Skibbe would be encouraged with the fact that Schneider has returned to training with the team but it looks highly unlikely that he would play any part against Duisburg. MSV are in wretched form and they don’t look likely to breach the second best defence in the Bundesliga at home. But coach Bommer could take consolation in the fact that they have got more points on the road than at home.  

Form Guide (Last 5 Games in all competitions) 

Bayer Leverkusen – WLWLW

Duisburg – WLLLL 

Head To Head Record In Leverkusen 

Feb 18^th 06        Bayer Leverkusen 3 - 2 MSV Duisburg

Feb 5^th 00          Bayer Leverkusen 3 - 0 MSV Duisburg

Nov 28^th 98         Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 0 MSV Duisburg

Oct 4^th 97           Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 1 MSV Duisburg

Feb 22^nd 97        Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 0 MSV Duisburg 

MSV can take heart from the fact that in the last meeting between these two sides, Duisburg knocked Leverkusen out of the German Cup in the second round beating them 3-2 after extra time.         

Players To Watch Bayer Leverkusen – Stefan Kiessling 

The lanky striker is Bayer’s leading scorer so far this term and with a leaky defence like MSV’s, you can bet him to be on the score sheet or create some for his mates.   

MSV Duisburg – Mihai Tararache Tararache will have to marshal Duisburg’s midfield and should try and shut down any potential attacks from Leverkusen. He could also create or pop up with some goals going forward.  

Prediction  It looks like it will be a stroll in the park for Bayer in front of the BayArena faithful. MSV are going to endure another tough trip away from home. 

Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 MSV Duisburg