Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen: team news, match stats & LIVE blog!

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The 2023/24 campaign was a difficult one for Gladbach, who narrowly avoided relegation to Bundesliga 2, only confirming their survival on Matchday 33. In an attempt to move up the table, Die Fohlen have been busy this summer, bringing in Tim Kleindienst, Kevin Stöger and Philipp Sander - who made their debuts in the DFB Cup first-round victory over Erzgebirge Aue - as well as youngster Charles Herrmann. Of course, the visit of the defending champions will be a much sterner test of Gladbach's credentials this term, and Gerardo Seoane will be pleased to welcome back first-choice centre-back Nico Elvedi as he attempts to end Leverkusen's 34-game unbeaten Bundesliga run. Robin Hack, last season's top goalscorer, is also in contention to play after recovering from a foot injury that saw him miss the majority of pre-season. Despite their 14th-placed finish last term, Borussia were dangerous offensively, so the likes of Alassane Pléa and Franck Honorat, aided by Kleindienst and Stöger, have the ability to cause Leverkusen plenty of problems on opening night.

Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen got their hands on two trophies in May, completing a league and cup double, and they have already picked up silverware this term by defeating VfB Stuttgart in the Supercup. They did so in true Werkself fashion, too, as Patrik Schick scored in the closing stages to send the game to penalties before Alonso's men held their nerve in the shootout. Even without the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Alejandro Grimaldo in the starting line-up, Leverkusen prevailed to lay down a marker ahead of the Bundesliga curtain-raiser. The only blemish was new signing Martin Terrier's red card, athough his mandatory ban does not apply in the league. Fellow new arrival Aleix García also featured alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield, with Robert Andrich dropping back into defence. It remains to be seen who Alonso will pick to partner the Swiss general on Friday. Copa América winner Exequiel Palacios is the only absentee, and there is competition for places throughout, so expect to see a strong XI take the field at Borussia-Park for what promises to be a captivating encounter.

Watch: Bayer Leverkusen lift the Supercup