Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Molde

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen to score in both halves 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Simply looking to sign off their Group H romp with another statement on Thursday evening, Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Molde to the BayArena.

Bayer Leverkusen

Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have been left heartbroken last season as they eventually missed out on the chance to punch a top-four finish among Germany’s elite, Xabi Alonso’s men are in the midst of a record-breaking romp this time around. Firing on all cylinders and only continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across the continent, Die Werkself are now tipped as a genuine Europa League contender in the New Year. With the mood around the BayArena at a famous high, the one-time Liverpool midfielder will be calling on his history-making squad to make another European statement here. Winning all of their five Group H appearances this year by an aggregate score of 14-2, it is no secret that Bayer Leverkusen have gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Already breezing their way to the knockout stage and not having to get out of second gear, Alonso’s men should be smelling another opportunity here.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term Achilles injury and not making a single appearance in any competition since the end of August, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be without Brazilian defender Arthur on Thursday evening. However, aside from the ex-America MG starlet, Alonso’s men have reported a clean bill of health.

Bagging a brace after returning from his own long-term injury issue last month, attacking talisman Patrick Schick should be handed a full recall at the BayArena.

Molde

As for the visitors, while Molde might be seeking a real Europa League miracle in their bid to punch a knockout stage ticket on Thursday evening, the Norwegian giants are in the midst of an eye-catching purple patch. Putting in another stellar performance over the weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory away at domestic rivals Bodo/Glimt, Erling Moe’s side are unbeaten in their previous six appearances across all competitions. However, although the Blues might have already clinched a Europa Conference League adventure for the New Year, Molde will be more than aware that they face a heavyweight challenge at the BayArena. Hit with a lively 2-1 defeat when they welcomed the Bundesliga high-flyers to the Aker Stadion for their reverse Group H showdown on October 5th, Moe’s side are rightfully tipped as an underdog contender in midweek.

Team News

Not featuring since sustaining a broken foot against Bayer Leverkusen on October 5th, number-one goalkeeper Jacob Karlstrom is not expected to feature for the remainder of the season. However, returning from his own respective blow earlier in the month, former Galatasaray defender Martin Linnes could make a first start since the end of September.

Already notching four Europa League strikes this season, 28-year-old Kristian Eriksen will once again have a leading role to play on Thursday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bayer Leverkusen and Molde met for their reverse Group H showdown on October 5th, Alonso’s men claimed a 2-1 victory at the Aker Stadion.
• Likewise, the German giants have won all of their five Europa League appearances this season by an aggregate score of 14-2.
• Leverkusen have collected 31 points from their first 11 home fixtures across all competitions this season.
• Molde have won each of their previous six straight appearances across all competitions.
• However, Thursday’s guests have won just a trio of their last nine Europa League battles on foreign soil.

Conclusion

Already wrapping up top spot in Group H and riding what has been a famous wave of momentum, Bayer Leverkusen will simply be looking to make another Europa League statement here. Winning all of their first five European performances this season by an aggregate score of 14-2, Alonso’s side have also gained a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. Mustering 31 points from their opening 11 showdowns at the BayArena across all competitions, the German title contenders are rightfully tipped as a standout pick in midweek.

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen to score in both halves 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster