Bayer Leverkusen vs Monaco Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 14/02/2023, 12:15  by Sridhar in Europa League Predictions

After being eliminated at the last-16 stage in the Europa League last season, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco start their quest to qualify for that stage in this campaign. The two teams will face-off in a two-legged knockout round play-offs with the first leg set to be played on Thursday at the BayArena. Leverkusen have picked up a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim over the weekend in Bundesliga that halted a two-game losing run. They still find themselves out of European qualification spots in the league, which could see them put additional focus on this competition. The Germans reached this stage of Europa League after a dramatic last matchday in the Champions League that saw their superior H2H record against Atletico Madrid come to their rescue in finishing third. They will be wary of their home record as they look for redemption, having failed to score in their last two European home matches but three wins in their last four matches in all competitions at this venue gives enough encouragement.

Monaco may be a tough opponent for Leverkusen in that regard, as the French side remain one of the hottest European sides on current form. A stunning 3-1 win over PSG last weekend has seen them move third in Ligue 1 and keeping them unbeaten over 90 minutes in nine matches in all competitions. They reached this stage finishing second in Group H with three wins and a draw, but have a balanced record of one win, draw and loss each in three away matches in the competition. As they look to override that record, Monaco could turn to their red-hot striker Wissam Ben Yedder to change the narrative as he scored nine goals in his last seven competitive matches.