Bayer Leverkusen have a major deficit to overturn when they host Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg. The Bavarians 3-0 win in the first leg can be considered an anomaly in this clash based on recent meetings. Tuesday’s clash though, is expected to be a lot closer.
It was a disappointing outing in the first leg for Leverkusen, who were well below their best. Their performance was riddled with sloppy mistakes and poor defending while they also struggled to create much going forward, finishing with just one attempt on target.
Manager Xabi Alonso will be hopeful of some improvement in the second leg, with Bayer Leverkusen often solid at home. The reigning Bundesliga champions suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen last weekend, ending an 18-match unbeaten run at the BayArena.
Bayern Munich were full value for the 3-0 win in the first leg and were the better side throughout the encounter. That result is an extension of a solid run of form for Vincent Kompany’s men, who are unbeaten in 10 of the last 11 matches in all competitions, but lost 3-2 to Bochum over the weekend.
The Bavarians have also travelled well lately and are unbeaten in six of their last seven away matches across all competitions. There have been a few close contests in that run and they have been level at the break in their last two fixtures on the road.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Bayern
Bayern Munich have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 11/8 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Bayer Leverkusen is valued at 9/5 while a draw is set at odds of 12/5 by BoyleSports.
Head to head: Recent Leverkusen success
Bayern Munich have a 57-22 advantage with 20 draws from 99 previous matches against Bayer Leverkusen. However, prior to the Bavarians 3-0 win in the first leg, Leverkusen had been on a six-match unbeaten run in this fixture, although the last meeting at BayArena ended in a 0-0 draw.
Players to watch: Attacks to shine
Given the huge deficit to overturn, Bayer Leverkusen are likely to go for it on Tuesday and their forward players could enjoy a productive night. Patrik Schick, Nathan Tella and Amine Adli will be the ones to watch and can ensure the hosts produce over 0.5 goals at 2/9 with BoyleSports.
Bayern Munich already showed their attacking quality in the first leg, with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise all impressing. All three men should help the visitors produce over 0.5 goals at 1/5 with BoyleSports.
Probable line-ups
Having gone with a false nine in the first leg, Bayer Leverkusen are likely to start with a proper striker this time, with Schick expected to lead the line. Jonathan Tah is set to continue at the back but Florian Wirtz is ruled out after suffering an injury last Saturday.
Bayern Munich are unlikely to make too many changes, with Kane, Musiala and Olise expected to feature in attack once again. Joshua Kimmich is set to feature in midfield but goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is ruled out with injury.
Bayer Leverkusen; Kovar, Tah, Hermoso, Hincapie, Gromaldo, Xhaka; Palacios, Frimpong, Adli, Tella, Schick
Bayern Munich: Urbig, Davies, Kim, Upamecano, Laimer, Goretzka, Kimmich, Coman, Musiala, Olise, Kane
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the last four matches between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have produced halftime draws, which is priced at 23/20 with BoyleSports. There have been more goals after the break in two of the last three meetings and a similar outcome is priced at 20/21 by Boylesports.
Leverkusen's attacking style could ensure an open contest and both teams can be backed to score at 8/15 with BoyleSports. Bayern Munich have also seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last five away matches and a repeat is valued at 4/6 with BoyleSports, who are also offering 17/10 for over 3.5 goals.
This UEFA Champions League match between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich will be played on and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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