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Kick off: Tuesday, 24 November @18:00
Venue: Borisov Arena (Borisov)
Head to head record
Bayer Leverkusen vs BATE Borisov 4-1 (2015/2021 Champions League)
BATE Borisov vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Despite losing three of first four group games, BATE could climb to second position if they happen to defeat Bayer Leverkusen, which should be enough incentive for the hosts to give their best. Meanwhile, die Werkself would be in all sorts of problems unless they record a win at Borisov Arena, and it is this situation that should guarantee us an exciting encounter.
Wins over Athletic, Roma serving as inspiration
BATE Borisov are slowly becoming regular in Champions League group stages and when we know that the club continue to rely on domestic players plus just several Eastern European footballers, their success is even more impressive. The Belarus side did not do too well last term, losing five of six group games and conceding 24 goals in the process, but the 2-1 home win over Athletic was definitely the peak of their campaign. BATE also suffered several big defeats this season, losing 4-1 at Bay Arena before conceding five goals in two matches with Barcelona, but, once again they managed to beat a top European side, enjoying a 3-2 triumph over AS Roma. With that in mind, the hosts will have reason for optimism ahead of the clash with severely weakened Bayer Leverkusen and having scored nine goals in last two domestic fixtures, the hosts can be trusted to score at least once past Leverkusen’s inexperienced back line. If they win this match, BATE will even have the opportunity to fight for a place in the knockout stages and no doubt the hosts will give their all in Tuesday night’s encounter.
Important attacker Vitaly Rodionov continues to miss out, but having last played in August, his absence is unlikely to be a problem.
All is not lost
Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt has experienced all sorts of selection problems this season and that is probably the main reason why his side are still not playing to their potential. Die Werkself continue to impress up front, with Javier Hernandez in excellent form, having bagged 10 goals in last 7 matches, but the porous back line is a major cause for concern at the moment. Even at full strength, Bayer Leverkusen conceded 15 goals in last 7 fixtures and they will now be missing key defenders Omer Toprak and Kyriakos Papadopoulos. And while 19-year-old Jonathan Tah already has some experienced of playing at the highest level, his defensive partner Andre Ramalho is likely to face problems in the match at Borisov Arena. This means that the only way for die Werkself to record a much needed win is to outscore the opposition, so we definitely expect the visitors to arrive with a positive mindset as their chances of reaching the next stage in case of draw or defeat would be very slim.
Omer Toprak and Kyriakos Papadopoulos are both suspended, whereas Lars Bender is unlikely to recover in time from an ankle injury. Karim Bellarabi and Stefan Kiessling both returned into action, but Tin Jedvaj and Roberto Hilbert are out injured.
BATE Borisov vs Bayer Leverkusen betting tip
BATE Borisov have been pretty impressive up front of late and having scored three past AS Roma, they can be trusted to register at least one goal this time out. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen face all sorts of problems at the back, but are in excellent scoring form, meaning we should see goals galore on Tuesday evening.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.91 (10/11) @888sport
BATE Borisov vs Bayer Leverkusen Live Streaming
If you register with bet365 and make a deposit, you will be able to watch the match free of charge via their live stream service.
2015/2021 Champions League Group E Standings
