Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham tips and predictions: Undefeated Germans to test British Iron
- Seb Sternik
- 10 April 2024
There’s a big game feel in Leverkusen as the Bundesliga leaders host West Ham in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final this Thursday night (2000 BST).
Before we get into the finer detail of this huge European clash, we have to give two men a lot of credit. The first one is David Moyes.
We're about to write a preview featuring West Ham in the quarter-final of a European competition. Despite this, Moyes is currently sitting joint-fifth in the sack race according to many bookmakers. That is truly baffling.
The Irons are just one point away from sixth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League and are two matches away from a Europa League semi-final.
Emma's Offer: Bet £10 and get a £5 free bet if Leverkusen to lead at half-time
Have there been lows? Of course. The 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal and the 5-0 loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup clearly stand out. However, looking at the overall season, West Ham are doing just fine.
This Thursday, the Irons have an opportunity to do something that no other club has been able to achieve all season long – beat Bayer Leverkusen.
This brings us nicely along to the second man who deserves a lot of credit - Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard has taken his side to the top of the Bundesliga. Not only that, they are currently 16 points above Bayern Munich and, barring any miracles, will win the Meisterschale. Alonso’s men are also unbeaten in the DFB Pokal and the Europa League.
Looking at their home record alone, it makes for scary reading. From 21 games at the BayArena, Leverkusen have won 19 games. In Europe, Alonso’s men are four from four, scoring 17 goals along the way.
West Ham have got their work cut out for them in this first leg. The Irons have won just two of their last eight matches on the road.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if West Ham enter this fixture on the defensive before looking to cut their losses in the return leg in London.
With that in mind, we’re backing the hosts to win the match, but only by a single goal margin.
Leverkusen to capitalise on the pressure and score the first goal is another top suggested bet.
Team news
Bayer Leverkusen enter this fixture without Adam Hlozek and Brazilian right-back Arthur.
West Ham, on the other hand, are missing Jarrod Bowen and Alphonse Areola. Edson Alvarez will also miss out due to a suspension.
Key stats
- This will be the first European meeting between these clubs
- Bayer Leverkusen have won all four home games in this competition, scoring 17 goals along the way
- West Ham have already eliminated German opposition in the Europa League this season, beating Freiburg 5-1 on aggregate in the Last 16
- Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in the Europa League this season winning seven of eight matches
