Valencia vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen can take a huge step towards qualification from Group F with a win when they travel to face Valencia.
Second placed Leverkusen are one point behind Group E leaders Chelsea, while Valencia are four points further back and must win to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
Valencia coach Unai Emery is aware of the importance of this game, and his predicted his team “will win” to ignite their qualification chances.
“We’re convinced that tomorrow will be a great night and we appeal to the fans to be part of it,” Emery told the official UEFA website.
Sergio Canales and Hedwiges Maduro are struggling with injury and will be unable to play for Valencia.
Leverkusen will qualify if they beat Valencia and Chelsea get a win or draw at Genk.
Veteran midfielder Michael Ballack could play in a protective mask for Bayer after breaking his nose last weekend. Tranquillo Barnetta and Rene Adler are ruled out with injury for Leverkusen, while Renato Augusto and Michael Ortega are also ruled out.
Bastian Oczipka has returned from injury for Leverkusen, and is in with a chance of playing his first game in the Champions League this season.