Bayer Leverkusen vs Salzburg Prediction: 26/11/2024

Bayer Leverkusen’s performance in the Champions League so far this season can be described as a mix of strong starts and inconsistent results. They began with impressive victories over Feyenoord (0-4) and AC Milan (1-0), but then dropped points with a draw against Brest (1-1) and a heavy 4-0 loss to Liverpool on the road.

These results have left them in 13th place, virtually ensuring their qualification for the play-offs but still 2 points behind 8th place, the last direct spot for the round of 16. Domestically, as the reigning German champions, Leverkusen has struggled to maintain its form. They currently sit 4th in the Bundesliga with 4 wins from their first 10 matches. They returned to action on Saturday against Heidenheim, hoping to secure a much-needed victory.

Salzburg, a regular Champions League participant and 2022’s round of 16 team, has not been performing well this season. After four matchdays, they sit in 30th place, 2 points shy of 24th, the final spot that guarantees play-off qualification for the round of 16.

Salzburg only earned their first points of the campaign in their most recent match, beating Feyenoord 1-3 after losing their first three, including a humiliating 0-4 loss to Brest. The Austrian champions have also struggled domestically, sitting 4th in their league after a 2-0 loss to BW Linz before the break. If they don’t improve soon, they risk falling further behind.

For Leverkusen, defenders Mukiele (on loan from PSG) and Belocian (formerly of Rennes) are uncertain for this match, as is winger Adli, who is out with an injury. Another key player, Terrier, has returned after recovering from a physical issue and will rejoin the squad. It’s also unclear if starting defender Tapsoba will be fit after suffering an injury during the international break.

In contrast, German playmaker Wirtz is in excellent form, having scored 3 goals in the competition. Top scorer in the Bundesliga, Boniface, has found the net once in the Champions League, while Frimpong, though yet to score, has contributed with 3 assists.

Salzburg will travel to Leverkusen without the young Gadou, E. Baidoo, and Diakité, who were not registered for the Champions League. They will also miss injured Brazilian striker Fernando. Right-back Morgalla has recovered from injury, but defenders Okoh, midfielders Kjaergaard and Kawamura, and several other key players are still unavailable. Despite struggles in the Champions League, Salzburg’s top scorer, Konaté, has found some success, with 8 goals in all competitions and 2 in Europe, although he missed a penalty in their last match against Feyenoord.

 

Prediction

In terms of the prediction, Bayer Leverkusen’s recent Champions League matches have mostly seen fewer than 2 goals, with 10 of their last 12 games in the competition featuring 2 or fewer goals. Salzburg’s away form has also been similar, with 8 of their last 10 away games in the Champions League seeing under 2.5 goals. Thus, it’s expected that this match will follow the trend of low-scoring affairs.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Salzburg.