Bayer Leverkusen vs 1 FC Heidenheim Prediction: Leverkusen need to rediscover their form early

When Bayer Leverkusen hosts struggling Heidenheim at the BayArena on Saturday 23th November 2024 at 17:30 (GMT+3) for their 11th Bundesliga game of the season, Xabi Alonso will be hoping his team can return to winning ways. The goal for Bayer Leverkusen will be to preserve an unbeaten streak. With 10 games played and 17 points, Bayer Leverkusen is currently in fourth place. In their most recent Bundesliga game, Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Bochum at Vonovia Ruhrstadion, extending their winning streak to eight games (Wins: 3 Draws: 5 Losses: 0).

In their most recent Bundesliga game, Heidenheim lost 3-1 against Wolfsburg at the Voith-Arena, extending their winless run to five games (Wins: 0 Draws: 1 Losses: 4). 

Can Heidenheim cause an upset?

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen team has been struggling, winning only once in their last six games across all competitions, with four draws and one loss. The international break arrived at the perfect time for him. Leverkusen's last three Bundesliga games have also ended in draws, so the 1-1 tie with Bochum will be especially annoying. They gave up a late equalizer in the 89th minute, even though they had taken the lead in the 18th.

Despite having the same number of shutouts following the first 10 games of the 2023–24 season, Leverkusen has only managed five clean sheets in their 17 games this season. While their defensive performances have left much to be desired, concerns may also be growing about their attack, having scored just once in their last three matches. Despite dropping points in six of their 10 Bundesliga games this season, Leverkusen still hold a strong home record at the BayArena, with just one loss in their last 34 matches there, winning 27 times.

Despite producing 2.42 xG, which is significantly more than Wolfsburg's 1.50 xG, Heidenheim will go into their matchup with Bayer Leverkusen having only scored once against Wolfsburg. After only creating 19 big opportunities in their previous nine Bundesliga games, the visitors' five big chances in that game represented a significant improvement. The team's troubles in front of goal, as they have only scored twice in their last five games, will worry manager Frank Schmidt, who called the loss cruel.

Heidenheim has only won one, lost three times, and drawn one of their last five games. In fact, they have lost six of their last seven Bundesliga games and just won one of those games.

With three defeats in their previous four league games, their away record is especially concerning. On November 7, they did, however, win their most recent away game in the Conference League, defeating Hearts 2-0.

Despite their previous performance, Bayer Leverkusen is the clear favorite in this clash. In their two meetings with Heidenheim during the previous Bundesliga season, they scored six goals. In the home game against Wolfsburg, shortly before the international break, Heidenheim gave up three goals.

In that game, Heidenheim recorded an xG greater than 2.00. Additionally, they have scored in each of their last three head-to-head encounters with Leverkusen.

We expect both teams to win at home with potential scoreline of 3-1.