Bayer Leverkusen step into a new chapter this weekend as Kasper Hjulmand takes charge for the very first time, hoping to steady the ship after a very quick and dramatic Erik ten Hag spell at the club. His debut comes in a high-stakes Bundesliga clash against an Eintracht Frankfurt side brimming with confidence after a flawless start to the new campaign.
Leverkusen head into this one still recovering from their worst league start in eight years, which ultimately led to Ten Hag’s dismissal after just 62 days in charge. Behind-the-scenes drama didn’t help his cause, but the focus now turns to Hjulmand, who is tasked with restoring belief among Die Werkself supporters. While his time at Mainz was far from glittering , the 53-year-old will hope to channel the underdog spirit that once guided Nordsjælland to a historic Danish title in 2011/12.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, arrive in Leverkusen in stark contrast a stable, confident, and ruthless under Dino Toppmöller. Celebrating his 100th game in charge, Toppmöller has overseen a perfect start and has his side looking every bit the Champions League returnees. Their strong opening has even rekindled memories of 2012/13, when Frankfurt began with four straight wins , a run that included a memorable 2-1 victory over Leverkusen.
History favors the hosts, though. Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Frankfurt , and in 54 of the 82 competitive fixtures overall. But with Frankfurt in fine form and with momentum on their side, this fixture promises to be finely balanced.
Adding intrigue, Opta’s stats show that Hjulmand has failed to win three of his last four managerial debuts, while Leverkusen’s recent games have often been goal-heavy, with three of their last four producing at least two first-half goals. Frankfurt’s away form suggests more action too , only one of their last 17 Bundesliga road trips ended goalless at halftime.
Team News
Leverkusen could be boosted by the long-awaited return of Jeanuël Belocian from a knee injury, offering Hjulmand more defensive depth. Patrik Schick remains Leverkusen’s danger man. Fresh off a brace on matchday two, the striker has five career goals against Frankfurt and will be eager to add more.
Additionally, Bayer Levkerusen posted via their official X handle , a photo presenting to the fans the new head coach Kasper Hujlmand and his coaching crew, see below;
Frankfurt, however, face anxious waits over Jonathan Burkardt and Mario Götze, who both missed the last outing against Hoffenheim before the international break.For the visitors, Ritsu Dōan is the man to watch, with all four of his goals this season coming away from home. He also has a habit of finding the net against Leverkusen, scoring in three of the last four seasons he has faced them.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen posted via their official X handle, an exclusive video of the moment before new head coach Kasper Hjulmand as the team prepares to take on Frankfurt this saturday, watch below;
Possible Line-Ups
Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Bade, Tapsoba, Quansah; Grimaldo, Garcia, Andrich, Tella; Tillman, Ben Seghir; Schick
Frankfurt (3-4-2-1): Zetterer; Theate, Collins, Koch, Kristensen; Larsson, Chaibi; Bahoya, Uzun, Doan; Burkardt
Speaking about newly signed players and possible lineups, Eintracht Frankfurt posted on its official X handle, an exclusive interview of how goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, is adjusting to life at his new club after completing a switch from Werder Bremen, watch below;
SoftFootball’s Prediction
It’s a clash of new beginnings for Leverkusen and stability for Frankfurt. The home crowd will demand a reaction under Hjulmand, but with Frankfurt’s early momentum and sharpness, this could be another frustrating outing for Die Werkself.
Prediction: Leverkusen 1-2 Frankfurt
