West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview

West Ham host Bayer Leverkusen at the London Stadium on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. The Hammers are currently trailing by 2-0 and face an uphill battle to keep their European aspirations alive.

Die Werkself continued their fine run of form as late goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface earned them a victory at home in last week’s first leg. It puts them in a comfortable position to reach the semi-finals.

More importantly, Xabi Alonso’s side continued their unbeaten run in all competitions this season, having not lost a single match in 42 outings. The side romped to their first Bundesliga title on Sunday, and now aim to complete the treble with DFB Pokal and Europa League titles.

West Ham will need a special performance to halt the juggernaut in London but have won just one of their last five games in all competitions at the time of writing.

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West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Team News and Predicted XI

West Ham

Jarrod Bowen remains doubtful with a rib injury. Should he miss out again, Michail Antonio will retain his place in the centre of their attack. Experienced goalkeeper Alphonso Areola and midfielder Kalvin Philipps are injured too.

Predicted XI: Lukasz Fabianski; Vladimir Coufal, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Kurt Zouma, Emerson; Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek; Mohammed Kudus, James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta; Michail Antonio

Bayer Leverkusen

Adam Hlozek and Arthur are listed as potential injuries for Leverkusen right now. Alonso might stick to the same XI that beat Hammers in the first leg, perhaps with the exception of Boniface, who marked his return to action for the side with a goal in the first leg. He could be rewarded for that with a start here.

Predicted XI: Matej Kovar; Josip Stanisic, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba; Jeremie Frimpong, Ezequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli; Patrick Schick

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-To-Head

This is only the second meeting between West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen. Their first-leg encounter at the BayArena last Thursday marked their first meeting in European history.

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen has simply been unstoppable this season. Their unbeaten run also means West Ham have a Herculean task here, which they don’t seem up to right now. Die Werkself have it in them to at least secure a draw here, which is enough to seal their place in the Europa League last-four.

Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tips and Odds

Betting Tips

• West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen to draw
• Goals under 2.5
• Both teams to score: Yes

Odds

• West Ham: 3.76
• Draw: 4.00
• Bayer Leverkusen: 2.08

West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen Time and Telecast

Date: Thursday, 18 April 2024

• India: Sony Sports
• UK: TNT Sports
• Germany: RTL

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