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Bayer Leverkusen will hope to avoid falling behind in the race for a spot in the Bundesliga‘s top four by getting the better of hosts Koln at RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday.
Sixth-placed Leverkusen are still within striking distance of the the teams above them given they have 13 points after eight matchweeks, whereas the hosts have nine points and are in 14th place.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen key stats
- Bayer Leverkusen have scored at least two goals in six of their seven matches away from home this season.
- Koln have scored at least two goals in three of their five home games this campaign.
- Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza has scored three goals in his past seven matches.
Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: The race for Champions League football
Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen — Tale of the Tape
| Koln | vs | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
| 14th | Position | 6th |
| 9 | Points | 13 |
| 9 | Goals For | 18 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 16 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 9th | Home / Away Rank | 8th |
Koln will know that they are in a serious battle for survival, with the team currently two points from 16th-placed Union Berlin in the relegation playoff spot, while 17th-placed Schalke 04 are only three points behind them.
The Billy Goats managed to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Union on November 1, their second consecutive stalemate in the Bundesliga, and they have now taken just two points from the last nine on offer in the top flight.
Manager Rene Wagner will hope to avoid a third loss in a row against the visitors and claim a first victory in six meetings with Bayer Leverkusen.
With Ellyes Skhiri ruled out due to an ankle injury, perhaps Paul Okon-Engstler will start as the team's defensive midfielder.
Bayer Leverkusen have hit a stumbling block, losing each of their last two Bundesliga fixtures, while they have been beaten in three of their past four matches in all competitions.
The visitors are two points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, but a five-point gap at this stage of the season would not be an insignificant defict to overhaul.
Manager Carles Martinez will know how important picking up points on Sunday will be considering his side are set to play Leipzig in matchweek 11, before then facing Borussia Dortmund in matchweek 12.
With Martin Terrier, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane and Nathan Tella set to miss out, expect to see an attack featuring Patrik Schick, Lucas Vazquez, Ibrahim Maza and Afonso Moreira.
Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen form guide & betting tips
| Koln | vs | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
LWLDD |
Form | WWWLL |
| 5 | Points | 9 |
| 15th | Form Table | 6th |
| 4 | Goals For | 10 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 11 |
WLDWD |
Form (All Comps) | WLWLL |
Whispers predicts: Koln 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
The bookmakers strongly favour an away win at 5/6 (1.83), but a draw at 31/10 (4) should not be discounted.
Backing Over 1.5 Goals for Bayer Leverkusen at 11/20 (1.55) could be the way to go considering Leverkusen have scored at least two goals in six of their seven matches away from home this campaign.
Given Koln have scored at least two goals in three of their five home games this season, it may make sense to back Over 1.5 Goals for Koln at 5/4 (2.25).
Leverkusen attacker Ibrahim Maza has scored three goals in his past seven matches, so perhaps there could be value in backing Ibrahim Maza to Score at 13/5 (3.6).
> Over 1.5 Goals for Bayer Leverkusen at 11/20 (1.55) | Likelihood: High
> Over 1.5 Goals for Koln at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Medium
> Ibrahim Maza to Score at 13/5 (3.6) | Likelihood: Low