Bayern Leverkusen go against PSV Eindhoven is the second round of the UEFA Champions League.
PSV started their Champions League journey in the worst way possible, suffering a 3–1 home loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, and now they are already facing a must-win situation. Ahead of them is a trip to Germany where Bayer Leverkusen is looking for their first win of the league stage after a 2–2 draw at FC København.
Although Leverkusen have dealt with injuries, they have also played some of the most entertaining football in Europe. PSV, in contrast, is eager to prove that they can compete on the biggest football stage.
Match details
- Fixture: Bayer Leverkusen vs PSV Eindhoven
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, League Stage
- Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
- Date: Wednesday, 1 October
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT+1
How to watch
BeIN Sports has exclusive UEFA Champions League broadcast rights for Morocco and the MENA region. In Morocco, it will be available on beIN Sports Arabia 9 HD.
Bayer Leverkusen team news
Leverkusen are still finding their feet under new coach Kasper Hjulmand but are still strong competitors despite some fitness issues.
Elisse Ben Seghir could make the difference tonight for Leverkusen. The 20-year-old Moroccan recently arrived from Monaco for a €30m contract and already brings something new to the attack with his quick feet and the ability to open up a defence.
With Schick injured, Leverkusen may need to adapt. Ben Seghir’s still finding his feet in Germany, but tonight’s map in Europe is perfect for him to show why the club spent big.
- Injuries: Patrik Schick is out for several weeks with a thigh problem. Robert Andrich is also in doubt after dealing with muscle tightness.
- Returning players: No major comebacks expected, though others are fit and ready to step up in attack.
- Tactical tweaks: Without Schick, the front line will be more fluid with Wirtz pulling the strings and Tillman playing more in advanced areas.
Predicted lineup (4–2–3–1): Flekken, Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba, Vazquez, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo, Tillman, Ben Seghir, Kofane.
PSV Eindhoven team news
The Dutch champions are on their way with injury concerns but can still be a threat.
- Injuries: Ricardo Pepi is out with a thigh injury, Ruben van Bommel (knee) and Myron Boadu (hamstring) are also out.
- Returning players: None of the injured will be back for this one.
- Tactical tweaks: Goalkeeper Matej Kovar, on loan from Leverkusen, could start against his parent club. Veerman will control the midfield, Perišić will give width and experience.
Predicted lineup (4–3–3): Kovar, Junior, Flamingo, Gasiorowski, Salah-Eddine, Schouten, Saibari, Veerman, Wanner, Man, Perisic.
What to expect
Leverkusen, even in transition, is still a handful when playing at the BayArena. There should be aggressive pressing, overloads down the flanks, with Leverkusen’s midfield trying to control the tempo.
PSV, with injuries piling up, might go compact and look to exploit spaces behind the full-backs or on counter transitions. Goalkeeper Kovar’s knowledge of Leverkusen’s players might also add an interesting dynamic.
Given both teams’ scoring form this season, there’s a good chance we see goals at both ends.
Safe calls
- Both Teams to Score: Very likely, both teams are attacking and rarely keep clean sheets.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Strong chance, both forward lines are in good form.
- Leverkusen to Win or Draw: safer result.
- Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 PSV Eindhoven
