Team News
Lars Bender, Omer Toprak, Andre Schurrle, Gonzalo Castro and Hajime Hosogai have all stayed back in Leverkusen. Simon Rolfes is doubtful to as he is awaiting the birth of yet another child.
Analysis
Metalist fought tooth and nail for a point in Germany on Match-day One and were rewarded. That match-day so far remains the only one in which either team dropped points. Leverkusen was disappointed as expected. Leverkusen wants top spot and will want to beat Metalist to take all three points.
Leverkusen’s game plan this season has involved sitting back and hitting sides on the counterattack more often than not but that will seemingly be Metalist’s role this time around. Leverkusen’s defence is vulnerable but the attack is wonderful. Following their win over Schalke on Saturday, they will be ready to go out with all guns blazing at Metalist.
Previous Meetings
Leverkusen 0-0 Metalist
Leverkusen 2-0 Metalist
Metalist 0-4 Leverkusen
Previous Matches
Illichivets 0-2 Metalist
Metalist 2-1 Karpaty
Metalist 3-1 Rosenborg
Dnipro 2-0 Metalist
Karapty 2-1 Metalist
Leverkusen 2-0 Schalke
Wolfsburg 3-1 Leverkusen
Leverkusen 3-0 Rapid Wien
Leverkusen 3-2 Fortuna Düsseldorf
Arminia Bielefeld 2-3 Leverkusen (After Extra Time)
Prediction
Metalist 1-2 Leverkusen