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#3 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Like Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen under-performed in the Bundesliga last season. They finished way down in 12th - their worst finish since 2003.
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The turnaround this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The club made a €25 million profit in the summer transfer market yet have nevertheless enjoyed a superb first half of the season under the tutelage of former forward Heiko Herrlich.
With a variety of forwards all in good form and the highly promising Kai Havertz providing creative impetus from midfield (5 assists so far), Leverkusen have averaged two goals per match on route to 7 wins, 7 draws and 3 defeats.
Recent defensive tightening bodes well for the second half of the season, as do their very solid underlying statistics. After a surprisingly good campaign to date, Leverkusen will hope to complete the job by securing the top-four finish that would get them back into the Champions League.
