Prediction: Qarabag vs Bayer Leverkusen

Verdict: Qarabag to score in 1st half

Best odds: 2.50

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Leverkusen will try to qualify for the Europa League knock-out phase with a win in Azerbaijan against Qarabag. The match will be played at Azersun Arena in Baku in front of a small but noisy crowd, starting from 8:45 pm.

Qarabag

Qarabag sit 2nd in group H, 3 points behind leaders Leverkusen. The current Azerbaijan champions are very competitive in Europe, accumulating 6 points from their 3 matches played. The hosts enjoy playing against Nordic teams, successfully winning in Norway and Sweden. Gurban Gurbanov’s players had a perfect start to the Europa League campaign reaching the group phase after knocking out teams like HJK and Olimpija Ljubljana. Defeating Molde at home (1-0) and Hacken away, Qarabag got themselves in a favourable position to qualify in the knock-out phase of the competition. However, Leverkusen brought today’s hosts back to Earth by teaching them a football lesson with a 5-1 win in Germany.

Qarabag is doing well domestically sitting 2nd, 1 point behind leaders Zira. With 28 goals scored in the first 12 matches, the current champions have the best attack in the Azerbaijan Premier League. Playing against the Bundesliga leaders will be another difficult test that Qarabag will look to pass after the shameful defeat suffered on BayArena. The host strikers are in top form scoring 7 goals in the last league game played against Kapaz.

Team News

Gurban Gurbanov has all his squad available to face Leverkusen.

Medina and Mustafazada will partner again as centre-backs with Cafarquliyev and Matheus de Barros covering the flanks. Jankovic and Romano have a difficult task in stopping Leverkusen attacks and transitioning the ball forward. Juninho is expected to score, playing as a striker, backed by Zoubir, Leandro and Bayramov.

Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen are playing sensational football of late. The current Bundesliga leader is one of the last teams to be undefeated this season in all competitions. Xabi Alonso has impressed since taking over Leverkusen, setting his team to play always on the front foot. Even the Bundesliga Giants, Bayern Munich, felt their fast-paced attacking football at Allianz Arena, giving up the lead in an exciting blockbuster that ended with a draw (2-2). Leverkusen is averaging the highest goals scored tally this season with 54 goals scored in 15 games. The visitors pulled another great win last Saturday, defeating away Hoffenheim (3-2).

In Europe, Leverkusen kept their intensity at the highest level winning all 3 group stage matches. A convincing debut win at home against Hacken (4-0) was backed by another win away at Molde (2-1). Xabi Alonso will be looking to repeat the 5-1 victory at BayArena against Qarabag, a win that will see the Group H leaders qualify in the knockout stage. Building on last season’s performance when they reached the semi-finals, the Germans are this season one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Team News

Ayaman Aourir is still recovering from his knee injury and will be out for this fixture. The young and talented Brazilian defender Arthur suffered a tendon injury and will not travel to Azerbaijan. Patrick Schick, the Czech Republic super striker is working towards recovery from his calf injury but will not play against Qarabag.

Xabi Alonso will be sticking to his 3-4-2-1 attacking system with Boniface playing as a centre forward. The in-form, sensational German winger, Wirtz is in excellent form and is expected to score against Qarabag. The experienced Swiss international, Granit Xhaka will be leading the midfield with Tah, Tpsoba and Kossounou forming the back 3 line.

Key factors to consider

• Qarabag won their last domestic league game with 7-1.
• The current Azerbaijan champions are 2nd in group H with good chances to qualify in the knock-out stage.
• Gurban Gurbanov’s players fancy playing against Scandinavian sides winning with Molde at home and away at Hacken.
• The hosts are looking to forget the shameful defeat suffered at BayArena.
• Bayer Leverkusen are the only team from the Top Leagues that remains undefeated this season.
• Xabi Alonso’s team is averaging an impressive 3.6 goals/match in all competitions. One of the highest of all time.
• The visitors can qualify for the knock-out phase with 2 games spare if they win against Qarabag.

Conclusion

Bayer Leverkusen proved that is a valuable team this season, even in front of giants like Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s players are in top form scoring goals for fun. Qarabag are doing well in the Europa League and with the latest domestic results I am expecting goals to be scored at both ends.

Verdict: Qarabag to score in 1st half

Best odds: 2.50

Bookmaker: Zetbet