Today is the big duel in the Bundesliga, as leaders Bayern Munich welcome reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen in the top game. It’s Vincent Kompany against Xabi Alonso, Jamal Musiala against Florian Wirtz and Harry Kane against Victor Boniface, which is sure to be a cracker.

The train journey from neighboring Cologne to Munich takes around four hours; 7,500 Bayer Leverkusen fans are expected in the away block of the Allianz Arena, whose tickets are sold out just one day after they go on sale. It’s the 91st^st Bundesliga games between the two teams, which are broadcast in over 200 countries.

Alonso’s Leverkusen team are also unbeaten in their last three games against today’s opponents. Their last meeting, a 3-0 win at the BayArena, finally secured them their first Bundesliga title after then-Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel suffered defeat in the title race.

Bayer are also undefeated in their last 19 away games in the league, but face FC Bayern Munich who have a 100 percent record across all competitions this season and have scored 20 goals in their last three games.

Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry have both been in excellent form for Bayern Munich this season, while Alonso is expected to make several changes following last weekend’s 4-3 win over Wolfsburg.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder