Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Hamburger SV preview: Both teams hunting for their first win of the season

The Bundesliga is finally back after a slight interruption due to the international break. Today, Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburger SV go head to head, both teams looking for their first win of the season.

It would be thought that Leverkusen have a slight advantage with being at home, Hamburg have failed to win at the BayArena in their previous seven attempts.

Both teams looking for their first three points of the season

Neither of today’s opponents were able to claim three points on the opening day of the season, as Leverkusen were tested by Borussia Mönchengladbach, eventually losing 2-1 just as they did the year before. A late goal from Lars Stindl gave Andre Schubert’s team the three points in the local derby.

Elsewhere on the first match week, Hamburg had to settle for a draw against Ingolstadt. New signing Bobby Wood gave the home fans a glimpse of his potential early on in the contest, but Hinterseer’s late goal forced the points to be shared.

Team news

It was unfortunate for Schmidt that Leverkusen were forced to enter the opening game without some star players. Injuries to Javier Hernandez and Lars Bender ruled them out of the game, however, the duo are set to return today after a week of training.

Leverkusen’s injury woes continue however as new addition to the squad, Kevin Volland was ruled out for a number of weeks after sustaining a foot injury on international duty.

It was confirmed yesterday that Hamburg will be without Johan Djoruou for this testing fixture, the cause of this being a suspected thigh strain.

There are rumours also that last week’s hero, Wood, may be replaced by Lasogga in the starting eleven, due to an increased amount of travelling in the international break.

A positive for Hamburg is that Lewis Holtby has returned to training, however the likelihood of him making an appearance today is unknown.