Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The Champions League finally returns to our screens, and Matthew O’Regan has his Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction,team news and lineups preview. Gameweek 1 pins last years Eredivisie runners up against Bundesliga champions and defeated Uefa Europa League finalists Bayer Leverkusen.
- Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Tip 1: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
- Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Tip 2: Victor Boniface to score
- Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Tip 3: Santiago Gimenez to score
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 1: Entertaining affair predicted
Netherlands, Champions League Thursday, September 19th 17:45 (UK)
In what should be one of the most entertaining clashes in gameweek one of UEFA Champions League, Feyenoord host Bayer Leverkusen at De Kuip.
Feyenoord are in the midst of a new era, with Sparta Prague’s Brian Priske taking the reigns after adored manager Arne Slot departed for Liverpool. So far, the former Danish international is yet to lose a game, winning the Supercup on penalties, before three draws and a 1-5 win in the league. It has not been an ideal start for Feyenoord, so a Champions League game could provide the perfect catalyst as they look to hunt a nine point gap from PSV.
Despite only losing twice last season, Feyenoord had to settle for second place, with PSV storming to the title with 91 points, dropping 11 points all season. Arne Slot’s side were strong in front of goal, scoring 92 goals for an average of 2.7 goals per game. Brian Priske has continued this legacy, with his team scoring nine goals in four league games, as well as four in the Supercup win over PSV. However, they are yet to keep a clean sheet – a worrying statistic heading into a game against free-scoring Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen were arguably the stand out team in Europe last season, winning the Bundesliga title unbeaten, as well as making it to the Europa League final. Xabi Alonso was a wanted man in the summer, but remains in the Leverkusen dug out. In winning the Bundesliga, Alonso’s side scored 89 goals in 34 games, averaging 2.61 goals per game.
This season has started in entertaining fashion. They opened the season with a 2-3 win away at Borussia Monchengladbach, thanks to a 90+11 Florian Wirtz winner. This was followed up by a 2-3 loss at home to RB Leipzig, despite being 2-0 up after 45 minutes. Leverkusen bounced back in emphatic fashion, destroying Hoffenheim 1-4 away from home.
The goal-heavy start to the season continues on a familiar theme last season, with Leverkusen scoring in every single Bundesliga game.
It looks set to be an entertaining game between two of the most exciting teams in Europe.
- Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 1: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.83
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 2: Bucketful for Boniface
Victor Boniface was signed from Belgian club Union Saint Gilloise last summer after 17 goals and 10 assists in 51 appearances in his one and only season in Belgium.
The Nigerian striker enjoyed a fruitful first season in Germany, registering 14 goals and eight assists in just eighteen starts. He averaged 0.81 goals per 90 from a 0.90 xG and 4.64 shots per 90.
This season, he has started three games, scoring two goals and assisting one. Per 90, he has scored 0.73 goals from 0.85 expected goal. His shot volume has remained high, seeing 6.24 shots per 90 and 1.48 shots on target.
In a free-scoring Leverkusen side, the 23-year-old is the focal point and will fancy his chances of adding to his ever-growing goal tally.
- Feyenoord vs Bayern Leverkusen Prediction 2: Victor Boniface to score
- Best Odds: 2.4
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 3: Gimenez Goals
After a move to Nottingham Forest failed to materialize, Santiago Gimenez has started this season as he did last – scoring goals.The Mexican scored a brace in 4-4 Super Cup draw with PSV, before scoring a late brace in the 1-5 win at PEC Zwolle.
Last season, in the Eredivisie, the 23-year-old scored 23 goals in 29 starts, averaging 0.89 goals per 90 from 0.89 xG. In the Champions League he has 0.52 goals per 90, as well as scoring in his only Europa League start.
Gimenez is a typical poacher, with the majority of his shots and goals coming form inside the penalty area. With the lively Igor Paixao supplying him, Gimenez looks good value to score yet again.
- Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction 3: Santiago Gimenez to score
- Best Odds: 2.75
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction odds via bet365 as at 23:59, September 16,2024. Odds may now differ.
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: Clean Slate for Bayer
Feyenoord have a near-full squad to call upon for Thursdays clash.Quilindschy Hartman, who was so impressive last season misses out through a knee injury. While loan signing Hugo Bueno has a muscle injury. The 21-year-old was impressive in his only game so far, assisting in the 1-5 win over PEC Zwolle. Key man Calvin Stengs will also miss out with a knee injury.
Bayer Leverkusen have a fully fit squad, with Xabi Alonso having no injury woes.
Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Wellenreuther; Lotomba, Beelen, Hancko, Smal; Milambo, Zechiel, Timber; Paixao, Gimenez, Osman
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Grimaldo, Andrich, Xhaka, Tella; Wirtz, Terrier; Boniface
Match OPTA Stats: Goal Happy Leverkusen
- Bayer Leverkusen scored in every league game last season
- The sides lost a combined two games in the league last year.
- This is the first meeting between the teams in history
- Both clubs have won the UEFA Cup before – Feyenoord in 2002 and Leverkusen in 1988
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