After just two Bundesliga games in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag was dismissed as manager with his side still yet to pick up a win. However, the decision to replace the Dutchman came as a result of his poor attitude and decisions, as opposed to the results on the pitch. Still, ten Hag left on a sour note, as Leverkusen squandered a 3-1 lead in the final 15 minutes against a ten-man Werder Bremen last time out.

A drop in form for Leverkusen was expected, especially given that key players departed over the summer. Die Werkself lost Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie, and Nordi Mukiele from their backline, while goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was also moved on. Granit Xhaka was another notable departure in midfield, with the Swiss international returning to the Premier League. It comes as no surprise that Leverkusen have conceded five goals from two games so far.

Despite losing both Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush, who were so important last season, Frankfurt have got off to a perfect start in the Bundesliga, winning both of their matches. They have even managed to score seven goals in that time, looking incredibly sharp in the final third.

Can Uzun has been the beneficiary of personnel changes, and has been a key reason for Frankfurt’s flying start. The Turkish international has started and scored in both games this season, including a wonderful strike against Werder Bremen on the opening weekend from well outside the box.

Uzun then registered three shots against Hoffenheim, with two of those hitting the target. Last season, the 19-year-old started just six games, but he scored four league goals. His average of 3.61 shots per 90 was impressively high, and he has been able to show his capabilities a lot more this season.

It was always going to be a difficult task for Leverkusen to replace Jeremie Frimpong, and it was 18-year-old Axel Tape who filled in at right back last time out against Werder Bremen. On his Bundesliga debut, Tape struggled, committing four fouls before being withdrawn after 72 minutes. However, Leverkusen did confirm the signing of Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid just before the transfer window shut, and the Spaniard is expected to start on the right against Frankfurt. 

The 34-year-old started 25 games last season, but was relegated to a bench role towards the end of the campaign. He had an average of 1.7 fouls per 90 in the Spanish top flight last season, and his lack of match fitness makes him a target for infringements once again. On Friday night, Vazquez will be up against Jean-Matteo Bahoya on the flank, who has drawn five fouls from three games so far.

Leverkusen may have lost Florian Wirtz over the summer, but they have held on to Patrick Schick, who racked up 21 goals last season in the Bundesliga - only Harry Kane scored more. That came despite only starting 19 league matches - his minutes were shared with Victor Boniface. However, the Nigerian international recently completed a loan transfer to Werder Bremen, and Schick has played the full 90 in all three games for Die Werkself in his absence. 

The Czech Republic international will have his sights set on beating his goal-scoring tally of last season, hopeful of playing more minutes. He opened his 25/26 Bundesliga account against Werder Bremen last time out, with a clinically taken brace. 

Schick will have positive memories of Frankfurt, given that he has scored five goals in seven starts against them as a Leverkusen player. When these sides last met at Deutsche Bank Park, Schick was on the scoresheet, registering four shots in total with two on target.

Playing on the left-wing, Bahoya has been a real threat for Frankfurt this season. He bagged a brace to kick off the campaign against Werder Bremen, before registering an assist against Hoffenheim last time out. 

In the DFB Pokal, Bahoya also managed to get on the scoresheet once again against Engers. He has been in excellent form recently, and will look to take advantage of a Leverkusen side not in their best shape. They have already conceded five goals, and it’s uncertain whether new manager Kasper Hjulmand will be able to inspire an instant change. 

Bahoya hasn’t completed the full 90 yet this season, but we are covered by SuperSub here. His replacement has been Ansgar Knauff, who managed to get on the scoresheet against Werder Bremen despite only making a short cameo from the bench. Last season, Knauff accrued four goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances, making him an adequate replacement for this market.

Following the departure of Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, Aleix Garcia has started all three games in midfield for Leverkusen this season, registering a shot in all of those. His average of 1.0 shots per game is a notable increase on his 0.55 shots per game last season, highlighting a bit more attacking freedom alongside Robert Andrich. 

Considering that the German is more defensive-minded, Garcia has more license to get forward, and he often looks to try his luck from distance. Last season, the Spaniard had 15 shots in total, with ten of those coming from outside the box. Four of those hit the target, while he also hit the crossbar. 

Garcia should be looking forward to this matchup against Frankfurt, considering he scored against them when these sides last met. He had two shots in that game playing alongside Xhaka, scoring from outside the box as Leverkusen won 4-1.

Midfield stalwart Ellyes Skhiri has been battling injury to start the season, which has provided an opportunity for Fares Chaibi to lock down a starting role, albeit in a slightly more defensive position. The Algerian international is incredibly versatile, featuring last season most often in an advanced midfield role, and on the wing. However, this season, he has paired with Hugo Larsson in a midfield double pivot. 

The 22-year-old had an average of 0.57 fouls per 90 in all competitions last season, which is nothing to write home about, but he did commit a foul and pick up a card last time out against Hoffenheim. He will find duels against the likes of Malik Tilman, Patrick Schick and Nathan Tella on Friday, which is an excellent matchup to target his fouls. Last season, Skhiri made three fouls against Leverkusen, while also picking up a booking.