Dortmund's recent form is hard to dispute: four wins from five and a strong, consistent scoring profile at home. Even with Adeyemi suspended, Brandt and Guirassy provide enough cutting edge to keep the attack running at high tempo.

Leverkusen hasn't lost in five but has drawn three times, hinting at some stalling in their push for European places. Their away defense gives up too many clear chances, a trend that hasn't improved against top-half sides.

Both lineups are built to attack wide, with overlapping wingbacks and aggressive midfielders who look to break lines. This tactical mirror effect should create a stretched contest, inviting transitions and clear scoring chances on both ends.

Historically, this fixture produces goals and drama: in their last ten meetings, only twice has either side kept a clean sheet. The last three encounters have all seen both teams score.

Dortmund's need to keep pace in the title race will keep them proactive, while Leverkusen's own ambitions (and vulnerability on the break) will force them to open up at some stage. Expect a game that rarely settles for long.

Referee Deniz Aytekin averages high card counts, which could influence tempo but is unlikely to suppress attacking intent given both teams' tactical identities.

Market odds heavily favor Dortmund, but the high goal line and both teams' attacking records suggest the best risk-adjusted position is to expect goals, not take a side.