Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Monaco Preview 16/02/2023

Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Monaco – 16/02/2023

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The primary legs of the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs happen on Thursday, with Bayer Leverkusen internet hosting Monaco in one of many standout ties of the spherical.

Bayer Leverkusen discover themselves eighth within the German Bundesliga desk, whereas Monaco occupy third place in France’s Ligue 1.

Can Leverkusen achieve a bonus on residence soil to take into the second leg? Or will Monaco stand agency in Germany? It’s time to take a better take a look at the groups.

Let’s begin with the hosts, Bayer Leverkusen, who have been knocked out of the Champions League earlier this season after ending third in Group B.

Leverkusen solely managed to win one in every of their six group matches, which means they completed six factors shy of the highest two – Porto and Membership Brugge.

Once you take a look at the larger image, the German aspect have gained simply one in every of their previous 9 video games in Europe – recording two attracts and 6 losses alongside the best way.

That mentioned, Xabi Alonso’s males have gained six of their earlier eight Bundesliga encounters, so they are going to fancy their possibilities of overcoming Monaco.

As for the Monegasques, they completed second of their Europa League group – regardless of ending stage with first-placed Ferencvaros on 10 factors.

Monaco registered three wins, one draw and two losses through the group stage – scoring over 2.5 targets in two of their three victories.

It’s value noting that Monaco have solely managed to maintain one clear sheet of their final 10 Europa League away video games.

To make issues worse, the French membership have misplaced every of their earlier three matches towards German sides.

Head-to-head: Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco confronted one another 4 instances within the Champions League between 2014 and 2016, with Monaco profitable twice.

Nevertheless, Leverkusen thrashed Monaco 3-0 when the 2 sides final met on the BayArena – giving the hosts loads of purpose to be optimistic.

Workforce information: Bayer Leverkusen are at the moment with out the injured trio of Patrik Schick, Andrey Lunev and Charles Aranguiz.

On the flip aspect, Monaco are lacking the defensive pair of Malang Sarr and Vanderson attributable to harm, so they won’t function within the first leg.

Though Leverkusen have struggled for consistency this season, Xabi Alonso seems to be steering the membership in the best course.

With that in thoughts, Forebet predicts that Bayer Leverkusen will beat Monaco within the first leg – protecting a clear sheet within the course of.