Bayer Leverkusen will be targeting a positive start to their Champions League campaign as they travel to Feyenoord for their opening fixture. The German champions are looking confident as always and should have the upper hand over their Dutch rivals, who are not looking particularly convincing.
Feyenoord return to the Champions League hoping to improve on last season’s ill-fated campaign. They failed to progress to the knockout phase after losing four of their six group stage matches.
Things have not looked much better for Feyenoord in the build-up to this year’s competition as they have won just once in four Eredivisie matches so far. Brian Priske’s men threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 with Groningen last weekend.
Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a superb campaign last season as they won the Bundesliga unbeaten and did not taste defeat in the Europa League till the final. Xabi Alonso’s team are one of the more exciting prospects this year and will be keen to make their mark in the Champions League.
While another potential unbeaten record is already gone, Bayer Leverkusen are still enjoying a solid start to the season. They have won two of their three Bundesliga matches and head into Thursday’s clash off the back of a 4-1 defeat at Hoffenheim.
How the bookies view it: Straightforward for Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 5/6 by Betfred to claim the win. Feyenoord are considered outsiders, with a home win priced at 3/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen.
Players to watch: Boniface to shine
Victory Boniface has made a fine start to the season and scored a brace in Bayer Leverkusen’s win at Hoffenheim. The Nigerian striker could be worth keeping an eye on at 13/10 with Betfred.
Feyenoord also have some quality going forward and will look to Santiago Gimenez to provide the spark on Thursday. The Mexican striker has two goals this season and is priced at 9/5 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Defender Thomas Beelen went off at halftime last weekend and is doubtful for Thursday’s clash. He is likely to be replaced by Gernot Trauner while Santiago Gimenez is expected to lead the line once again.
Jeremie Frimpong could return to the starting line-up on Thursday having come off the bench at Hoffenheim. Boniface should continue to lead the line, with Florian Wirtz providing support.
Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba, Trauner, Hancko, Smal, Zechiel, Timber, Osman, Nadje, Paixao, Gimenez
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo, Wirtz, Tella, Boniface
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 4.5 goals in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga fixture last Saturday and a repeat is priced at 100/30 by Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 11/8 by Betfred.
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to be dominant on Thursday and given their attacking quality, could be backed to score in both halves at 7/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on Sep 19, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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