Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker:
Looking to make an early Europa League statement on Thursday night, Bayer Leverkusen will welcome West Ham to Germany for their first-leg showdown.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, only continuing on what has been a public fairytale this season, Bayer Leverkusen are cruising their way to a maiden Bundesliga crown. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, the German high-flyers are also pencilled in as a leading Europa League contender this year. Breaking a host of records this season and riding what has been a stunning wave of momentum, Xabi Alonso’s camp will be confident of making an early statement here. In fact, on what has become an iconic purple patch, Leverkusen have not suffered a single defeat across any competition. With their sights firmly set on making real history in 2024, Alonso’s squad have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Likewise, it should also be noted that Thursday’s hosts have won all of their last seven straight showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be without the services of Brazilian youngster Arthur on Thursday night. Likewise, limping off against Union Berlin over the weekend, Morocco international Amine Adli faces a race against the clock to feature here.
Heavily linked with a blockbuster move this summer and notching 14 goals across all competitions, 20-year-old sensation Florian Wirtz will certainly play a leading role in midweek. Handed a full rest over the weekend, Czech Republic international Patrik Schick could be handed a full recall.
West Ham
As for the visitors, mounting what was a remarkable second-half comeback away at Wolves over the weekend, West Ham will be desperate to use that dramatic flurry as a platform to build on. However, while the Hammers might have eventually cruised their way to a Europa League quarter-final ticket last month as they secured a 5-1 aggregate victory against Bundesliga outfit Freiburg, the one-time Manchester United boss has found a huge amount of scrutiny over his long-term future in east London. Although the Hammers might have drawn a line under their domestic stutter on Saturday afternoon, West Ham will certainly face a heavyweight challenge here. With Moyes still holding a real headache over his side’s extended issues at the back, the midweek guests couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination when they travel to Germany.
Team News
Forced to serve a one-match Europa League suspension on Thursday night, West Ham will be unable to call upon midfield talisman Edson Alvarez. While Morocco international Nayef Aguerd might have returned to Moyes’ squad over the weekend, the former Rennes defender will have to settle for a spot on the bench here.
Although leading marksman Jarrod Bowen might have sustained a knock against Wolves on Saturday afternoon, the England international is expected to feature in midweek. With French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola still suffering from a hip issue, Lukasz Fabianski will start between the sticks here.
Key Factors to Consider
