The BayArena will host an electric Bundesliga showdown as Bayer Leverkusen take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, September 12, 2025, with kick-off at 20:30 CEST. Matchday 3 pits Leverkusen, struggling in 12th with two points, against a resurgent Frankfurt side in second place with six points. After a managerial shake-up—Kasper Hjulmand replacing Erik ten Hag—Leverkusen seek their first win, while Frankfurt aim to build on their early-season form. With a rich history and recent trends favoring goals, this clash promises intensity.
Leverkusen have won 28 of 45 meetings against Frankfurt, including 10 straight home victories, but Frankfurt’s current momentum (unbeaten in eight) adds intrigue. Can Hjulmand’s fresh approach turn the tide, or will Frankfurt’s attack, led by Ritsu Doan, continue to soar? This detailed preview covers form, head-to-head stats, predicted lineups, and a score prediction, using the latest insights.
Recent Form: Leverkusen’s Home Struggles vs Frankfurt’s Flying Start
Bayer Leverkusen
Hjulmand’s debut season begins with a squad in transition after losing stars like Florian Wirtz. Leverkusen are winless in five league games, sitting 12th after a 2-1 home win over Viktoria Köln and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen. Their Ligue 1 record:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23, 2025 | Hoffenheim (H) | L | 1-2 | Schick (1 goal) |
| Aug 30, 2025 | Werder Bremen (A) | D | 3-3 | Tillman (2 goals) |
| Sep 3, 2025 | Viktoria Köln (H) | W | 2-1 | Schick (1 goal) |
Patrik Schick (two goals) and Malik Tillman (two goals) lead the attack, but defensive errors—conceding three against 10-man Bremen—highlight vulnerabilities. Home form offers hope, with eight wins in their last 10 Bundesliga home games. Bundesliga Official
Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s resurgence under Dino Toppmöller sees them second, unbeaten in eight league matches. A 3-1 win over Hoffenheim and a 4-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen showcase their attack, though they’ve conceded in all three games.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23, 2025 | Hoffenheim (A) | W | 3-1 | Doan (1 goal) |
| Aug 30, 2025 | Werder Bremen (H) | W | 4-1 | Doan (2 goals) |
| Sep 3, 2025 | Viktoria Köln (A) | D | 2-2 | Uzun (1 goal) |
Ritsu Doan (four goals) and Can Yılmaz Uzun (two goals) are in form, but their defense has shipped five goals. Away, they’ve lost their last three to Leverkusen. Eintracht Frankfurt
Head-to-Head: Leverkusen’s Home Mastery
Leverkusen lead with 28 wins to Frankfurt’s 14 in 45 meetings, averaging 2.9 goals per game. They’ve won 10 consecutive home games against Frankfurt, never drawing 0-0 in 80 Bundesliga matches. Recent H2H:
- Mar 1, 2025: Frankfurt 1-4 Leverkusen
- Oct 19, 2024: Leverkusen 2-1 Frankfurt
- May 5, 2024: Frankfurt 1-5 Leverkusen
Frankfurt’s last BayArena win was in 2017 (2-0). Leverkusen’s -1.5 Asian Handicap has hit in six of the last 10 H2H. Sofascore
Team News and Injuries
Bayer Leverkusen
Hjulmand may debut new signings Ibrahim Maza, Loïc Badé, and Jarell Quansah. Jeremie Frimpong is doubtful (hamstring), and Florian Wirtz is out (long-term). Bayer Leverkusen
Doubts/Outs: Frimpong (doubt), Wirtz (out).
Eintracht Frankfurt
Hugo Larsson (midfield star) is doubtful (ankle), while Fares Chaibi faces a fitness test. No major absences. Eintracht Frankfurt
Doubts/Outs: Larsson (doubt), Chaibi (fitness).
Key Battles
- Schick vs Tuta: Schick’s finishing (two goals) will test Tuta’s marking in Frankfurt’s backline.
- Hjulmand’s Tactics vs Doan: Leverkusen’s new setup must contain Doan’s four-goal run.
- Set-Pieces: Tah vs Uzun: Leverkusen score 30% of home goals from set-pieces; Tah vs Uzun could be decisive.
Leverkusen’s press could exploit Frankfurt’s occasional lapses. Goal.com
Predicted Lineups
Leverkusen (4-2-3-1):
Hrádecký; Maza, Tah, Badé, Grimaldo; Xhaka, Andrich; Tella, Tillman, Adli; Schick.
(Subs: Kovář, Quansah, Hložek, Wirtz—if fit)
Frankfurt (3-4-2-1):
Trapp; Tuta, Koch, Pacho; Buta, Skhiri, Götze, Lenz; Doan, Uzun; Marmoush.
(Subs: Grahl, Larsson—if fit, Chaibi—if fit)
Prediction and Betting Tips
Leverkusen’s home streak (10 wins) and H2H edge suggest a turnaround. Frankfurt’s attack (nine goals) could nick one, but defensive issues loom. Prediction: Leverkusen 2-1 Frankfurt—Schick to score. Over 2.5 goals hits in 65% of recent H2H.
Betting Tips (Odds via Bet365, Sep 12):
- Leverkusen -0.5 AH: 1.85
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.70
- Schick Anytime Scorer: 1.65
- BTTS: 1.80 Bet365
How to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football (19:30 BST), stream on Sky Go.
- Germany: Sky Sport Bundesliga 1, WOW.
- USA: ESPN+, ESPN 2.
- Global: Bundesliga app for highlights. Bundesliga Streaming