Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham United are ready to play in the first leg of a Europa League quarterfinal match.
Leverkusen advanced five to four on aggregate after their 3-2 victory over FK Qarabag. Patrik Schick had a brace. Impressively, both were scored after 90 minutes of stoppage time. Also, Jeremie Frimpong netted a goal.
West Ham advanced 5-1 on aggregate against SC Freiburg after a 5-0 thrashing of the opposition. Mohammed Kudus scored a brace. Additionally, Aaron Cresswell, among others, was able to find the back of the net.
But do you prefer the German team or the Premier League side to gain an advantage in today’s matchup?
Bayer Leverkusen vs. West Ham United Preview
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen have been strong in Europa League action. They have won seven times and only seen one tie. Furthermore, they’re averaging three goals per game while only conceding seven goals throughout the entire tournament. This is a team that not only possesses the ball but also makes the most of their chances. Meanwhile, they are adequate at limiting any opposition opportunities or goal-scoring chances through their play and strong defense.
Mat?j Ková? has started in goal in seven of the eight matches. He has only conceded six goals so far while making 22 saves. Furthermore, Schick is someone to keep an eye on at all times. He has scored five goals in five Europa League matches for Bayer Leverkusen.
West Ham United
The Hammers do well in terms of limiting the chances and goal-scoring opportunities of others. They have only conceded five goals in eight matches. However, the issues have been on the attacking side of things. The lack of dynamism and creativity has only allowed West Ham to score 15 goals in eight games. They have won six times in Europa League and only lost twice, but the margins have been slimmer than what they needed to be more often than not.
Lukasz Fabianski has started in goal seven times. He has 20 saves to his name while only allowing three goals throughout the tournament. The goalkeeper is solid and can be relied on. Furthermore, Lucas Paquetá has four goals off of 11 shots. Finally, Kudus is dangerous when given the chance, as he has five goals through only six shots on target.
Leverkusen vs. West Ham Probable Starting Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen: Mat?j Ková? (GK), Odilon Kossounou, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, Patrik Schick
West Ham United: Lucasz Fabianski; Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Ben Johnson, Tomás Soucek, James Ward-Prowse, Emerson; Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta; Michail Antonio
Bayer Leverkusen vs. West Ham Head-To-Head
These two sides last met in the preseason of last year. During the club-friendly, it was a one-sided affair as Leverkusen won 4-0 over West Ham. However, the German home team of that day had a decisive victory. Therefore, the Hammers are looking to turn fortune in today’s match.
Injury Report
Edson Alvarez is suspended for this Europa League game. Alphonse Areola is unavailable until later this month with a muscle injury. Jarrod Bowen and Kalvin Phillips are also unable to see the pitch today.
Meanwhile, Adam Hlozek remains out until May with an ankle injury for Bayer Leverkusen.
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