Bayer Leverkusen are enjoying a fantastic period under Xabi Alonso and are one of the favorites for the Europa League. They are unbeaten in 41 matches in all competitions in the 23-24 season. This statistic is an incredible start for Alonso. Leverkusen had a very difficult time against Karabakh in the previous round, but managed to get through and they have a chance to claim the Bundesliga title this weekend.
Leverkusen rotated their squad for the game against Union Berlin and I think they had the opportunity to prepare well for West Ham. Last season's Conference League champions West Ham lost away to Freiburg in the previous round but won the rematch with a different score. Even though things are not going well for West Ham in the Premier League, they will come into this game with extra motivation. Leverkusen are the favorites for this match but I think West Ham have the potential to surprise.
Leverkusen rotated their squad for the game against Union Berlin and I think they had the opportunity to prepare well for West Ham. Last season's Conference League champions West Ham lost away to Freiburg in the previous round but won the rematch with a different score. Even though things are not going well for West Ham in the Premier League, they will come into this game with extra motivation. Leverkusen are the favorites for this match but I think West Ham have the potential to surprise.
We are back in action tomorrow, nice! Leverkusen are still unbeaten and they would like to make it stay that way as well. Here in the first leg I don't give much chance for West Ham to catch them by surprise. Because now Leverkusen are inches away from announcing their Bundesliga title early. I expect them to be even more concentrated on the Europa League title from now on.
I hope to not see the kind of performance they had against Qarabag this time in short. They can't beat West Ham that easy by playing inconsistently. West Ham aren't an easy team to beat as we are talking about a Premier League quality.
I think Leverkusen will win the first leg and maybe a finish with a draw in the rematch.