Prediction: Hertha vs Bayer Leverkusen

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win.

Best odds: 47/100

Bookmaker: William Hill

Hertha will be facing Bayer Leverkusen on the final day of the 2018/19 Bundesliga season at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, in a game that could prove hugely important, especially for the visitors.

Hertha

Apart from pride and the responsibility of giving a good performance in front of their fans, Hertha have very little to play for. They sit 10th, in the middle of the table, quite safe from relegation, and too far from any European spot. However, the fact that it is the last game with coach Pal Dardai in charge may provide some motivation. Dardai will soon be replaced by Ante Covic.

Their recent form reflects the table position: two wins, two draws and a defeat in the last five league games.

Team News

Midfielders Palko Dardai (ankle), Vladimir Darida (knee) and Arne Maier (knee), goalkeeper Rune  Jarstein (knee), as well as forward Mathew Leckie (ankle), have all been ruled out. Defender Niklas Stark will be assessed before the game.

Bayer Leverkusen

It’s quite a different story for the visitors. Unlike Hertha, Leverkusen have everything to play for. They sit in fifth place with 55 points to their name, the same as Borussia Monchengladbach in fourth, and one more than Eintracht Frankfurt in sixth.

They will fight hard to win this game with as many goals as possible in order to secure Champions League football for next season, which could help them keep hold of a few key players in the summer. Julian Brandt, for example, is reportedly ready to stay put should the team qualify for UEFA’s elite club competition.

Team News

Coach Peter Bosz will be without the services of winger Karim Bellarabi who has a thigh injury, and striker Joel Pohjanpalo who is struggling with an ankle issue. Winger Leon Bailey is a doubt due to a thigh problem.

Conclusion

The difference in motivation (and quality) should be enough to get Leverkusen over the line in this game. Whether that will be enough to secure a Champions League spot for them remains to be seen.

Verdict: Bayer Leverkusen win.

Best odds: 47/100

Bookmaker: William Hill