Qarabag FK vs. Bayer Leverkusen - Preview, Prediction, Team news, Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen embarks on a lengthy journey to face Qarabag FK in a crucial Europa League clash on Thursday night, aiming to secure their progression to the knockout stages.

The home side, sitting just three points behind the Bundesliga giants in Group H, has the opportunity to keep the top-two positions in doubt in the final two fixtures.

Match Preview

Xabi Alonso had high hopes for his talented Bayer Leverkusen squad in the 2023-24 season, and their current run has exceeded expectations.

With 14 wins in 15 outings, Leverkusen leads the Bundesliga table, with their only draw against Bayern Munich.

Despite close victories in the domestic league, Europa League matches have seen Leverkusen dominate, recording wins over Hacken, Molde, and Qarabag with a total of 11 goals.

The reverse encounter with Qarabag two weeks ago showcased Leverkusen’s dominance, resulting in a 5-1 victory.

However, Gurban Gurbanov’s side displayed resilience in Germany, providing a tough challenge for the Bundesliga giants.

Qarabag, with previous 1-0 triumphs in the group, aims to replicate their home form from the 2022-23 season, where they remained undefeated against Nantes, Olympiacos, and Freiburg.

Qarabag, coming off a 7-1 win over Kapaz, is within one point of Azerbaijani top-flight leaders Zira.

In contrast, Leverkusen’s formidable form includes victories in both domestic and Europa League competitions.

Team News:

• Yassine Benzia, after a hat-trick in the league, is expected to play a creative role for Qarabag.
• Leverkusen’s Matheus Silva is likely to miss out, with Toral Bayramov poised for a start at right-back.
• Bayer Leverkusen is expected to make changes, with Matej Kovar, Piero Hincapie, Robert Andrich, Amine Adli, and Nathan Tella likely to start.
• Adam Hlozek could replace Victor Boniface, and Odilon Kossounou may miss out due to injury.

Possible Starting Lineups:

Qarabag FK:

• Lunev;
• Bayramov, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquiliyev;
• Jankovic, Romao;
• L.Andrade, Benzia, Zoubir;
• Juninho

Bayer Leverkusen:

• Kovar;
• Stanisic, Tapsoba, Hincapie, Grimaldo;
• Xhaka, Andrich;
• Tella, Wirtz, Adli;
• Hlozek

Prediction:

Qarabag FK 1-4 Bayer Leverkusen - Despite Qarabag’s capability on home turf, Leverkusen’s free-flowing style may prove challenging to contain. Expect a fast start from the visitors, leading to a comfortable victory and qualification.