Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The Europa League is back as Matthew O’Regan delivers Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. Xabi Alonso’s side are still on for an unprecedented invincible treble, while West Ham will be looking to win their second European trophy in successive years after securing the Europa Conference League last season. 

• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Tip 1: Bayer Leverkusen -1.5 Asian Handicap
• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Tip 2: Florian Wirtz To Score
• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Tip 3: Bayer Leverkusen Over 6.5 corners

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 1: Leverkusen to Burst West Ham Bubbles

Europa League, Thursday , April 11th, 20:00(UK)

Bayer Leverkusen have been far and away the best team in Germany this season, and arguments can be made for the world. Xabi Alonso’s side are still undefeated in all competitions and are still on course for an unprecedented treble. 

This record looked in serious doubt in the last round against Qarabag. After being held to a 2-2 draw in Azerbaijan, Vizekusen were 2-0 down at home. However a 72nd minute Jeremie Frimpong goal was followed up by two Patrick Schick goals in stoppage time to secure the win. 

That draw with Qarabag was one of just two games they failed to win in their last 19, showcasing their dominance this season. 

In the group stages, Alonso’s side won all six games, scoring 19 and conceding just three. In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have won 24 and drawn four of their 28 games, with 12 of these wins coming at home. 

While their form overall this season, their performances at the BayArena have stood out. Of their 21 home games, Leverkusen have won 19 of these, winning by at least two goals in 12 of these – including vs title rivals Bayern Munich. 

Thursday’s opponents, West Ham, topped their group with five wins but have lost two of their four away games in the Europa League. The Hammers scraped past Freiburg (2-1) and Backa Topola (1-0) before losing 2-1 to Olympiakos and 1-0 to Freiburg in the knockouts. 

David Moyes’ side have lost seven of their 16 league away games, conceding 33 in the process. They also tasted defeat to Liverpool (5-1) in the EFL Cup and to Championship side Bristol City (1-0) in the FA Cup. 

Xabi Alonso will look to build a healthy lead heading into the second leg, so expect a fiery start from the Germans.

• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 1: Bayer Leverkusen -1.5 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 2.20
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake:7/10

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 2: Goalian Wirtz

Germany’s new superstar Florian Wirtz has caught the eye worldwide with his stellar performances as he spearheads Leverkusen towards the title. 

With Patrick Schick or Victor Boniface as the main focal point, Wirtz roams around in the number ten role, finding pockets of space and making late runs into the box. 

In all competitions, the 20-year-old is boasting 14 goals and 18 assists in 39 matches, including six in his last seven. 

Per game in the Europa League, Wirtz is averaging 0.75 goals, 0.41 xG, 3.00 shots and 1.25 shots on target per 90. These numbers dwindle slightly in the league, with Wirtz averaging 0.32 goals, 0.31 xG, 2.50 shots and 1.19 Shots On Target per 90. 

The added caveat is that he is trusted with penalties, scoring from the spot in the recent win against Union Berlin. West Ham have conceded eight penalties in 16 away league games, including four in their last three. If this trend continues, Wirtz stands out as an appealing price to add to his ever-growing goal tally. 

• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 2: Florian Wirtz to Score (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 3.40
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 3: Bayer to rack up the corners

As we have come to expect from German teams over the years, Bayer Leverkusen plays very high-intensity, attacking football.

They are relentless from minute one to the final whistle, something which sees them win plenty of corners. Alonso’s side are averaging 7.21 home corners per 90 in all competitions. In their last eight games, they’ve hit 8,9,13, 9,11,4,8,8 corners, with the drubbing of Bayern Munich the only time they failed to hit eight corners in this time.

When winning, as Leverkusen usually do, there may typically be less intent to get balls forward and force corners. However, with Alonso wanting a big first-leg lead, expect Bayer to maintain their intensity regardless of the score. 

While West Ham only average 6.56 corners conceded per Premier League away games, they do tend to concede high corner numbers against the higher ranked sides. David Moyes’ team conceded 10 to Arsenal, 12 & 7 to Liverpool, 8 to Tottenham and to Aston Villa. Conceding 10 and 17 corners to Brighton and Bournemouth respectively also shows how susceptible the Hammers can be to conceding corners when under pressure. 

• Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction 3: Bayer Leverkusen Over 6.5 Corners (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.90
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Prediction odds via bet365 as at 00:00 April, 08, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Team News and Possible Lineups: Near-Clean Slate for Both

Whilst every Premier League team are seemingly going through an injury crisis, West Ham are relatively blessed; they are only without two players for Thursday’s crunch tie. 

First choice goalie Alphonse Areola was subbed through injury in the dramatic loss to Newcastle, while Edison Alvarez is suspended. 

For Leverkusen, only forwards Adam Hlozek and Nathan Tella are missing, with Hlozek subbed in the first half against Union Berlin. 

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Kovar, Tah, Tapsoba,Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Adli, Wirtz; Boniface

West Ham possible starting lineup:
Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Soucek, Phillips, Ward Prowse; Kudus, Paqueta; Bowen

Match Stats: Positive Signs for Bayer

• Bayer Leverkusen’s 19 goals conceded is the fewest in the Bundesliga by 14.
• The only previous meetings between the sides saw Leverkusen run out 4-0 winners in a pre-season friendly.
• Wet Ham’s TWO Premier League away draws is the fewest in the league.
• The 5-0 win over Freiburg was West Ham’s only clean sheet in the last 16.

Bayer Leverkusen Fixtures: Closing in on history

• Vs West Ham (H)
• Vs Werder Bremen (H)
• Vs West Ham (A)
• Vs Borussia Dortmund (A)
• Vs Stuttgart (H)

West Ham Fixtures: Europe Still On

• Vs Bayer Leverkusen (A)
• Vs Fulham (H)
• Vs Bayer Leverkusen (H)
• Vs Crystal Palace (A)
• Vs Liverpool (H)

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