Bayer Leverkusen Vs Manchester United
Date: Wednesday, November 27th
Time: 7:45 pm (UK)
Stadium: BayArena, Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen are all set to host Manchester United as both teams face off in a clash vying for the top spot in their UEFA Champions League ‘Group A’ table. All moments recorded in tomorrow’s match will all lead up to one team going through to the Knockout stages of the tournament for sure. Can’t pass up a great opportunity like that, now can you?
Rising German Giants, Bayer Leverkusen:
As Dortmund lost to arch rivals Bayern Munich, Leverkusen picked the timing well and progressed up the table. Currently placed at the 2nd position, Bayer have never before been more satisfied. The team is coming along well, producing results, fixture after fixture. With 31 points on the board, they aren’t far behind in the race for the title. As for the results against Europe’s best, Bayer Leverkusen have done well, snapping up 7 points, just one point behind leaders Manchester United. No major injury woes off late has boosted their confidence which has played an important role in previous matches.
United, We Hope To Stand:
Perched at the top of the table with zero losses to their name, the Red Devils have shown no mercy when it comes to the biggest of stages. Too bad we can’t say the same when it comes to Premier League. A literal stock-market-exchange-graph of results is what David Moyes has managed to project since Sir Alex left him the keys to Old Trafford. Speaking as a United fan, I am literally shocked at the way we have been playing this season. There’s no team chemistry and that beautiful 4-4-2 formation which was seen throughout the Ferguson era has never been recreated to the delight of us fans. To add the crumbling cherry on the top, injury after injury hits one member of the squad; very frequently I might add. In the past 5 fixtures, United barely scraped through with 3 wins and 2 draws. What’s disappointing is like Liverpool, we seem to be winning the big fixtures (vs. Arsenal) and lose big time opportunities to climb up the ladder against teams like 15th placed Cardiff City.
Key Players
For the home team, Bayer Leverkusen will rely on mainly the ecstatic talent of Stefan Kießling up front. The United defense looks shaky at the moment, and with just the right tactics, Kießling teaming up with Simon Rolfes will prove to be a dangerous threat throughout the first half.
As for United, all eyes will be on Wayne Rooney. Considering his performance in the first leg, all members of the Leverkusen squad will look to mark him effectively. David de Gea will need to put his super gloves on because of his team’ defensive manpower being on the shaky side; He’ll be playing an important role tonight.
Team News
Leverkusen will we remembering Sidney Sam, scorer of 8 goals so far this season, as he will miss action due to a thigh injury picked up against Hertha. Defender, Sebastian Boenisch is also being ruled out, having missed training on Tuesday.
United’s injury woes continue as Michael Carrick remains benched with an Achilles tendon injury. Marouane Fellaini will miss big-time as he was suspended with a red card during the match against Real Sociedad. (0-0) To further disappoint United fans, Robin van Persie and Vidic have not traveled to Germany as their respective injuries are still being monitored.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen: Leno, Donati, Wollscheid, Toprak, Can, Hegeler, Bender, Rolfes, Castro, Son, Kießling
Manchester United: de Gea, Evra, Ferdinand, Rafael, Smalling, Jones, Valencia, Cleverley, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney
Prediction:
Bayer Leverkusen 1 – 2 Manchester United