Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Across European football's three premier competitions, the Europa League often emerges as a thrilling narrative of surprise and footballing prowess. This Thursday's fixture between Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham United stands as a testament to the competition's allure, pitting an indomitable force in German football against an English side synonymous with heart and resilience. This encounter is not just a battle for a place in the semi-finals of this competition; it is a narrative of contrasting football philosophies, managerial acuity, and historical quests for glory.

Date: 11/04/2024

Kick-off time: 20:00

Location: BayArena

Bayer Leverkusen enter this clash as the apex predator of the Bundesliga, orchestrating a symphony of wins that has left them perched atop the league with a commanding presence. Their journey under Xabi Alonso has been nothing short of spectacular, evolving into a saga of undefeated runs across all competitions. This transformation under Alonso's stewardship has not only been a testament to tactical ingenuity but also a revival of Leverkusen's European aspirations. The club, which once savoured the taste of UEFA Cup success in the 1987-88 season and came tantalisingly close to Champions League glory in 2001/02, now eyes the Europa League with renewed vigour and ambition.

Leverkusen's European campaign this season is layered with significance. Their semi-final exit in the previous season's Europa League at the hands of AS Roma has only sharpened their hunger for success. Moreover, their recent advancement to the DFB-Pokal final has set the stage for a potential treble, a prospect that underlines the importance of their European journey. With the Bundesliga title seemingly within grasp, thanks to a substantial lead over Bayern Munich, Leverkusen's focus on the Europa League is undivided, positioning them as formidable contenders for the title.

On the other side of the pitch, West Ham United's narrative is equally compelling. The Hammers, under David Moyes, have carved a niche for themselves in the Premier League as a team capable of challenging the established hierarchy. Their current standing in the league reflects a season of resilience, marred occasionally by stylistic debates but underscored by a strategic acumen that has kept European football within reach. West Ham's European ventures in recent years have added layers to their identity, transforming them from mere participants to contenders, as evidenced by their journey to the semi-finals in the 2021-22 Europa League season and last season's triumph in the Europa Conference League.

This season, West Ham's path to the quarter-finals has been marked by notable victories, including a comprehensive win against Bundesliga side Freiburg. This performance not only highlights West Ham's capability to dismantle high-calibre opposition but also serves as a psychological advantage as they prepare to face another German giant. Historically, West Ham's record against Bundesliga clubs in two-legged ties stands balanced, with two wins and two losses, a statistic that adds an element of unpredictability to the upcoming fixture.

The impending clash between Leverkusen and West Ham is emblematic of the Europa League's essence—a competition that brings together clubs from diverging trajectories, each with their own story. Leverkusen, with their flawless season under Alonso, represent a blend of tactical sophistication, youthful exuberance and high-octane attacking football, a team that has dominated domestically and now seeks to imprint its legacy on European soil. By contrast, West Ham embody the spirit of English football—grit, determination, and a tactical approach that has seen them overcome odds and stand on the precipice of another European semi-final.

This fixture is not just a testament to the managerial acumen of Xabi Alonso and David Moyes but also a showcase of the talent and depth within both squads. For Leverkusen, the game is a continuation of their dream run this season, an opportunity to edge closer to a treble that would cement their place in the annals of European football. For West Ham, it is a chance to prove their mettle on European turf once again, to demonstrate that their previous successes were not fleeting but indicative of a club on the rise.

As Thursday approaches, the stage is set for a clash that encapsulates the essence of European competition—the pursuit of glory, the clash of strategies, and the unyielding spirit of football. Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham United, each with their distinct narratives, prepare to add another chapter to their European journey, a chapter that promises excitement, tactical battles, and a step closer to Europa League glory. This match is not just a quarter-final; it is a narrative of ambition, a testament to the beauty of football, and a duel that will be etched in the memories of fans and players alike.

Bayer Leverkusen Team News:

Jeremie Frimpong, Jonas Hofmann, Edmond Tapsoba and Patrik Schick were all rested against Union Berlin at the weekend and should come back into the starting lineup here.

Matěj Kovář has featured between the sticks for Leverkusen in this competition and should retain his place in the lineup.

West Ham Team News:

The Hammers will be without midfielder Edson Álvarez who is unavailable through suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards.

Alphonse Antonio is likely to miss out through injury after missing the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, but otherwise West Ham come into this one with a clean bill of health.

There hasn't been a point this season where Bayer Leverkusen have been out of form and that's very much the case now as they enter this one having won all of their last five games. Most recently, Alonso's side ran out 1-0 winners in a hard-fought game against Union Berlin with a Florian Wirtz penalty enough to separate the two sides.

Prior to that game, Leverkusen hammered Fortuna Düsseldorf 4-0 in the DFB-Pokal semi-final which followed a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim, a 3-2 with away at Freiburg and a 3-2 win over Qarabag, all of which maintained Leverkusen's remarkable season-long unbeaten run.

Leverkusen are very strong on home soil too, as they come into this game having won their last seven consecutive games on their own patch.

The Hammers are much more streaky than their German counterparts as they enter this game having won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games. Back at the end of March, West Ham suffered a deflating defeat away at Newcastle United where they sacrificed a 3-1 lead to end up losing 4-3 in very dramatic fashion. However, they've responded to that setback admirably by taking four points from their last two games: a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur followed by their most recent game; a 2-1 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The win at Wolves saw goals from Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse overturn a 1-0 deficit to secure an impressive three points. Prior to the defeat at Newcastle, West Ham had drawn 1-1 with Aston Villa which followed a 5-0 win over Freiburg.

The Hammers are the clear and rightful underdogs here and it's highly unlikely they'll come away with a win. They have a chance over two legs, no doubt, but Leverkusen are on fire this season and come into this game with a fully fit squad with several key players well rested. Edson Álvarez is a huge miss for David Moyes in midfield, and his absence will likely see West Ham concede more control than they usually would in a game of this magnitude. If West Ham restrict the difference between the two sides to just one goal, they'll return to London satisfied with their night's work. Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 West Ham.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action. Footy Accumulators is the #1 football betting site for the latest on betting in the UK - download the Betting Hub app for more!

This game will be aired live for all subscribed U.K. viewers on TNT Sports 2.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day