Bayer Leverkusen will host Hamburger SV on Saturday in the final matchday of the Bundesliga season, with the hosts’ Champions League qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Leverkusen must win and rely on defeats for both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim to secure a top-four finish. Meanwhile, HSV, back in the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence, could finish as high as tenth.
Leverkusen’s chances of Champions League football suffered a blow last week with a defeat against Stuttgart, despite an early goal. The loss has intensified the pressure on manager Kasper Hjulmand, with reports suggesting the club is already considering replacements. Leverkusen has a history of swift managerial changes, having previously dismissed Erik ten Hag after a short spell.
Alejandro Grimaldo, a key player for Leverkusen over the past three seasons, may be playing his final Bundesliga match for the club, with only one year remaining on his contract. The team has no new injury concerns, but Hjulmand may rotate the squad if Champions League qualification proves unattainable.
Hamburg, in contrast, appear settled with their coaching situation, with Merlin Polzin expected to remain in charge beyond the summer. The club has been pleased with Polzin’s performance in his first Bundesliga campaign. HSV’s recent form has been strong, securing back-to-back victories against Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, propelling them to 11th in the table.
HSV’s squad faces potential departures, with Luka Vušković and Fábio Vieira likely playing their last games for the club. Nicolas Copaldo is doubtful due to a lack of fitness, while Miro Muheim is set to return to the squad after a three-game absence. Leverkusen secured a narrow victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Christian Kofane scoring a late winner.
The predicted lineups see Flekken starting in goal for Leverkusen, with a midfield featuring Palacios and Garcia. For HSV, Heuer Fernandes will start in goal, with captain Remberg leading the midfield. The match represents a significant end to the season for both clubs, albeit for very different reasons.
