Bayer Leverkusen welcomes Red Bull Salzburg to the BayArena on Tuesday evening for the decisive Champions League duel.
The Bundesliga heavyweights will be looking to bounce back from their recent 4-0 defeat against Liverpool, while the Austrian side will be looking to build on their 3-1 win over Feyenoord.
Game preview
Leverkusen had a mixed start to their European campaign, collecting seven points in their first three games.
Xabi Alonso’s side currently sit 13th in the 36-team Champions League table.
The German team was strengthened by Patrik Schicks They scored a hat-trick in their 5-2 Bundesliga win over Heidenheim on Saturday, but are without several key attackers due to injuries.
Salzburg, on the other hand, have struggled in Europe this season, losing their first three games before securing a much-needed 3-1 win against Feyenoord.
Pep Lijnders’ The young team remains outside the playoff places in 30th place in the Champions League standings and has lost its last two home games against Blau-Weiß Linz and LASK Linz.
Leverkusen’s recent form has been inconsistent with two wins, two draws and two defeats in their last six games across all competitions.
The Bundesliga club’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield was their first Champions League defeat of the season, but they bounced back with an impressive 5-2 win over Heidenheim at the weekend.
Salzburg, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, winning just two of their last six games in all competitions.
Their 3-1 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League was a rare bright spot, but the Austrian side have lost two home games in a row since then.
Head to head
It will be the first competitive game ever between Bayer Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg. The German champions have an impressive record against Austrian opponents in Europe, winning three of their five previous meetings and drawing the other two.
Team news
Leverkusen will be without several key players, including striker Victor Boniface, midfielders Jonas Hofmann and Amine Adli and winger Martin Terrier.
Jeremie Frimpong is also a doubt after picking up a knock in the win over Heidenheim.
For Salzburg, goalkeeper Alexander Schlager returns after a suspension, but the guests are missing several injured players, including Bryan Okoh, Leandro Morgalla and Takumu Kawamura.
Expected starting lineups:
Bayer Leverkusen: (4-4-2)
Hradecky;
Tella, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie;
Garcia, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo;
Wirtz, Schick
Red Bull Salzburg: (4-3-3)
Bat;
Dedic, Baidoo, Piatkowski, Terzic;
Diambou, Gourna-Douath, Clark;
Nene, Konate, Gloukh
forecast
Despite Salzburg’s recent win over Feyenoord, Leverkusen may have too much quality for the Austrian side, especially with their attacking options limited by injuries.
Alonso’s men will be determined to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Liverpool and they should have enough firepower to secure a comfortable win at home.
- Result prediction: Bayer Leverkusen – Red Bull Salzburg 3-0
Betting Tips:
– Leverkusen wins
– Over 2.5 goals
– Patrik Schick can score at any time