Bayer Leverkusen vs Monaco: Preview and Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen vs Monaco
UEFA Champions League – Group E
Date: Wednesday, 7th December 2016,
Kick-Off at 19:45 UK,
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen.

The two teams in action here have already confirmed their tickets to the round of 16 of the Champions League after matchday 5. Monaco are top of the group with 11 points, while Leverkusen sit second with 7 points. Their positions remain unchanged regardless of what happens in Wednesday’s two Group E matches. The key clash will be between Tottenham and CSKA Moscow as they fight for a third place finish for a place in Europa League knockout stages.

Monaco defeated Tottenham 2-1 on matchday 5 and thereby eliminating the Premier League side. Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw at Moscow by Russia, but this was enough for them to qualify due to Tottenham’s defeat. Both Monaco and Leverkusen are unbeaten in this season’s Champions League. Monaco have picked 3 wins and 2 draws from their 5, while Leverkusen have won only once, with 4 matches ending in draws.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Monaco: Head-to-head stats

The teams settled for a 1-1 draw when they met on matchday 2 of the campaign in dramatic fashion. After a goal-less first half, Leverkusen too the lead at the Stade Louis II through a Javier Hernandez goal. But Monaco strike back late in the injury time through a Kamil Glik goal.

Monaco are unbeaten in 5 UEFA matches against Bayer Leverkusen with 3 wins and 2 draws. They edged out a 1-0 win in their last visit to BayArena, courtesy of a second half goal by Lucas Ocampos.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Monaco: Prediction

This is a low key fixture for both sides and this will result in heavy rotation of the starting line-up to rest key players. But the form guide heavily favours Monaco as they are coming on the back of a 10 match unbeaten run, with 7 wins and 3 draws during the period.

Leverkusen have struggled since the start of the season, but they still manage to squeeze points out in European encounters. The Bundesliga side are without a win in their last 4 matches and are without key players Karim Bellarabi, Kevin Volland and Admir Mehmedi.

The chance is there for Monaco to grab another win, but this heavily depends on the players Leonardo Jardim puts on the field.