Following the thrills and spills of the Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, we progress to Thursday’s Europa League fixtures. UEFA’s second-string competition is at the quarter-final stage. Four games start at 20:00 GMT on Thursday, and some famous names, including AC Milan and Liverpool, will be in action. There’s more than enough to keep fans entertained throughout the evening.
The game we focus on in this article comes from Germany, where local side Bayer Leverkusen hosts English Premier League outfit West Ham United in the first leg. The team that will progress to the semi-finals will be the one that performs best over two legs, but both Leverkusen and West Ham know the value of getting off to a winning start. Will Bayer claim a win at home, or will the Hammers find glory on the road? Keep reading for our big-match preview and predictions.
Leverkusen led the way
Bayer Leverkusen progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League after winning Group H in style. The Bundesliga side enjoyed a perfect record over six games, collecting a maximum of 18 points while scoring 19 goals and conceding just three. They finished well clear of the chasing pack, with nearest rivals Qarabag eight points behind in second. Leverkusen proved too good for that level but has more to offer.
The locals secured their slot in the quarters with an impressive and memorable win over a familiar face in Qarabag in the previous round. They were hot favourites to win that tie, but Qarabag pushed them hard every step of the way before eventually winning 5-4 on aggregate. That was a little too close for comfort in the eyes of supporters who hope to see their team sweep past West Ham more convincingly.
Hammers aiming high
West Ham fans aren’t enjoying their most successful season in the English Premier League, but the team from London has a great chance of finishing in the top 10 and could add the Europa League to their growing list of achievements. David Moyes’ side won the Europa Conference League last season and would dearly love to win back-to-back honours. To do that, they must be at their best when visiting Germany.
We last saw West Ham in action on Saturday when they battled to an impressive 2-1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. They fell behind early in that game but refused to accept defeat, scoring two goals late in the contest to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Moyes’ men will require plenty more of that fighting spirit on Thursday.
Leverkusen vs West Ham prediction
Leverkusen knows that making home advantage count is their best chance of progressing to the next round and keeping alive their dreams of winning the Europa League. The Germans will want to avoid having to win at the London Stadium in the second leg, so their game plan should have an attacking edge. Will they get the result? Leverkusen is a difficult place to visit, and if the locals are at their best, they could claim a first-leg win.
West Ham gained vital experience when winning the Europa Conference League last season, but this is a step up in class and a real improvement in opposition. If West Ham are to go through, they must ensure the tie is competitive for the second leg in the UK capital, and a narrow defeat wouldn’t be the worst result.
Europa League odds
22Bet members can make predictions on this game and wager on the result using the website or mobile site. Which team do you think will win? You can bet on Bayer Leverkusen for the victory at 1.47 or try West Ham to win at 6.76. Fancy a level finish ahead of the return leg in Stratford? Play the draw at 4.74.
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