Bayer Leverkusen made a slow start to this season's Champions League, drawing two and losing one of their opening three fixtures. However, the Bundesliga side have won their last two group games against Benfica and Manchester City respectively, and now go in search of their third straight victory. Both teams have scored in three of the German side's five European games, and Wednesday's hosts have scored at least two goals in three of their five games as well.
These two clubs have met before in the Champions League, but that was way back in 2003. Both teams scored, and over 2.5 goals were produced as Newcastle won both games 3-1.
Newcastle have played some of their best football this season in the Champions League. Despite starting off with a defeat to Barcelona, the Magpies then won three games on the trot before slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Marseille last time out. Over 2.5 goals have been produced in four of Newcastle's five European games this season, and both teams have scored in each of their two defeats.
With all of the above in mind, we're backing the in-form hosts to sneak a 2-1 victory against their Premier League guests on Wednesday night.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Newcastle
