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UCL up for grabs!

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LEVERKUSEN VS FRANKFURT

This match has all the ingredients of a classic as Leverkusen will know that their season has entered last-chance saloon in their hopes of making it to the final spot for Champions League qualification currently occupied by Eintracht Frankfurt themselves! Die Adler themselves will be looking to consolidate their hold on the 4th position in the table with just four points separating them from 5th place Borussia Dortmund.

Leverkusen’s last match was a dismal 2-0 loss to champions-elect Bayern Munich where they were dominated by the Bavarians in every department while Frankfurt won by the same scoreline against Augsburg with second-highest marksman in the League, Andre Silva again getting on the scoresheet.

The good news for Leverkusen is they have scored in the last four home matches but they will have to keep their guard up against a team that has scored six in their last three matches.

One thing is for certain: both teams will be going all out for the 3 points.

 

 

TEAM NEWS

Frankfurt head coach Adolf Hutter will have pretty much the same squad to choose from with the exception of suspended midfielder Sebastian Rode who picked up his 10th yellow card in last Wednesday’s win.

Predicted Line-up: Trapp; Tuta, Hinteregger, N’Dicka; Chandler, Sow, Ilsanker, Kostic; Kamada; Jovic, Silva

 

 

Leverkusen interim head coach Hannes Wolf will look to the attacking prowess of Leon Bailey and Patrick Schick to provide the hosts with goals. The experienced Karim Bellarabi might be drafted into the team to replace young midfielder Jeremie Frimpong.

Predicted Line-up: Hradecky; Tah, Bender, Tapsoba; Sinkgraven, Palacios, Aranguiz, Bellarabi; Bailey, Diaby; Schick

 

GAME CHANGERS

All eyes will be again on Andre Silva as he looks to fire his side into the much coveted Champions League group-stage while Filip Kostic will look to pick up from where he left off in his man-of-the-match performance in mid-week. Japanese playmaker Daichi Kamada has really come into his own with 11 assists this season and will be a key cog again.

 

 

For Leverkusen, Wolf will turn to dynamic winger Leon Bailey to provide the necessary spark in front of goal while captain Charles Aranguiz will provide the stability from midfield. The defence has to hold strong if they are to win and Jonathan Tah will come in handy for that.

 

PREDICTION

With Frankfurt looking to solidify their hold on the Champions League spots and continue their rich vein of form with 4 wins from their last 5 matches. Leverkusen will have their task cut out at the Bay Arena but Wolf will bank on the team’s recent home form and know how important these final few games are so expect them approach this game with an attacking mindset of and a stout backline. FootTheBall predicts Frankfurt 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen.

 

Ratul Ghosh
His name means Red and a fan of devilish food, which equals to his favourite team being Manchester United. Can be found sleeping or in front of the TV otherwise. Hates waking up early but loves staying up late for football.

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