Defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are preparing for their first major challenge of the season as they host RB Leipzig on Saturday. Xabi Alonso's side, who were unbeaten in Germany last season, have secured narrow victories in the German Supercup, German Cup, and their Bundesliga opener this season. However, Leipzig poses a significant test for the 2024-25 campaign.

Last season, Leverkusen's victories over Leipzig were crucial to their title success. They won both matches 3-2, with the January victory featuring a dramatic injury-time goal, showcasing their ability to score late. So far in 2024, they have scored 17 goals in the 88th minute or later, underlining their resilience.

Both teams have retained most of their key players during the off-season, with Leverkusen losing only defender Odilon Kossounou and Leipzig parting with forward Dani Olmo, who was replaced by Antonio Nusa. Nusa has already made an impact, scoring two goals in two games.

Leverkusen's performances this season have been unconvincing, with a 1-0 win over fourth-division Carl Zeiss Jena on Wednesday described by midfielder Robert Andrich as their "weakest performance" of the year. Jonas Hofmann, who scored the only goal, emphasized that the match was a wake-up call for the team.

In other Bundesliga action, Union Berlin faces St Pauli on Friday, Bayern Munich hosts Freiburg on Sunday, and Borussia Dortmund travels to Werder Bremen. Harry Kane, who played a key role in Bayern Munich's recent win over Wolfsburg, will be a player to watch as Bayern aims to continue their winning form.