Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal Preview: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen will face Villarreal at the BayArena in a crucial match of the Champions League group stage. Both teams are under serious pressure, with Leverkusen needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Villarreal, on the other hand, is staring at early elimination after a disappointing European campaign.

Match Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal

Leverkusen arrives at this match on the heels of a 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen in domestic competition. This win has provided a morale boost, following a challenging period. Their Champions League record, however, is less impressive. With two wins, three draws, and two defeats, they sit with nine points, positioned 20th in the expanded 36-team table.

Leverkusen’s Home Challenges

The BayArena has not provided the comfort Leverkusen expected during the Champions League this season. They have drawn twice and lost once at home, failing to secure a win. Their last away fixture ended in a 2-0 defeat against Olympiacos Piraeus. Leverkusen has netted ten goals but conceded fourteen, resulting in a negative goal difference of minus four.

In their last five matches across all competitions, Leverkusen has recorded two wins and three losses. Despite this inconsistency, they have been stronger historically at home in UEFA competitions, losing only two of their last 17 matches (10 wins and 5 draws).

Villarreal’s Struggles

Villarreal comes to Germany in a dire situation. They have managed only one point from seven Champions League matches, placing them 35th in the standings. Their recent form includes six defeats and one draw, with their latest loss being a 2-1 defeat to Ajax Amsterdam.

Villarreal’s away performances have been particularly disappointing. They have lost all three of their league-phase games and have not scored in their last four UEFA away fixtures. Their overall record includes two wins and three defeats in their last five matches.

Head-to-Head History

Historically, Villarreal has had the upper hand in clashes with Leverkusen, remaining unbeaten in their last four UEFA encounters, winning three and drawing one. However, Leverkusen has only lost one of their previous eight home matches against Spanish teams and is on a three-match winning streak domestically. Conversely, Villarreal remains winless in their last ten Champions League matches.

Team News

Leverkusen will miss goalkeeper Mark Flekken due to a knee injury, along with defender Edmond Tapsoba, who is sidelined with a muscular issue. Forward Nathan Tella is expected to be out until mid-February, while Eliesse Ben Seghir is unavailable due to an injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Janis Blaswich is set to start in goal, with Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, and Loic Bade likely forming the defense. Patrik Schick may return to the starting lineup after featuring as a substitute in the last Champions League match.

Villarreal will be without Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala, who are both out with serious injuries. Juan Foyth has been ruled out for the season after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture. Additionally, Santiago Mourino is suspended, while Pape Gueye may return to the midfield. Nicolas Pepe and Georges Mikautadze could play vital roles in attack for Villarreal.

Predicted Lineups

Prediction

In what promises to be a competitive match, Bayer Leverkusen is favored to secure a 2-1 victory over Villarreal. Despite their struggles, Villarreal has the potential to make this match challenging. Leverkusen’s motivation and home advantage are likely to be decisive factors in this encounter.