Monaco vs Bayer Leverkusen: Preview and Prediction

AAS Monaco vs Bayer Leverkusen
UEFA Champions League – Group E
Date: Tuesday, 27th September, 2016,
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stade Louis II (Monaco).

Monaco is a team in form that look for consecutive wins when they host Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League 2016/17.

AS Monaco went to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur on the matchday 1 of the Champions League 2016/17 and returned home with all three points. The result might have surprised many, but it unarguable that they are a side on top of their form at the moment. Monaco’s competitive season has started on 27th July 2016 with the third qualifying round fixture against Fenerbahce. They lost 2-1 in the first leg at Turkey, since then 11 matches in all competitions and Monaco have won 9, drawn 1 and lost 1.

Bayer Leverkusen have made a promising start to their Champions League campaign by scoring twice in quick succession against CSKA. But their joy was short-lived as the Russians replied immediately to peg back level. The match ended in 2-2 and both teams have to satisfy with the share of the spoils. Leverkusen haven’t won a Champions League match since the 4-1 win against BATE Borisov on the opening day of last season. And their last win on the road came on November 2014 against Zenit Saint Petersburg. They will come into this match on a back of a 6 match win-less streak in Champions League away games, with 4 of them being defeats.

AS Monaco vs Bayer Leverkusen: Head-to-Head Stats

Monaco are unbeaten in the last four Champions League fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen with 3 wins and a draw. The latest of which came during the 2014/15 edition where Monaco won both legs 1-0. The previous two legged fixture was on 1997/97 in which Monaco earned a massive 4-0 win at home before playing out a 1-1 draw in the away leg.

AS Monaco have a good record against German sides as they are unbeaten in 11 of the 14 fixtures with 7 wins and 4 draws. Their record at home from 6 matches is 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat.

Leverkusen’s overall record against Ligue 1 sides in UEFA Competitions is 5 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats from 15 matches. They have only won once in France from 7 visits, losing 4 and drawing 2.

Monaco vs Bayer Leverkusen: Prediction

Monaco are a team in form at the moment and are scoring goals at will. But they are expected to struggle defensively when coming against quality attacks. Leverkusen are currently on an inconsistent run and no one can doubt their attacking prowess. So goals are expected at both ends and over 2.5 goals is very much a possibility in this match.

Leverkusen have struggled against Ligue 1 sides in the past and are winless against Monaco in 4 outings with 3 losses. They are particularly poor while playing away from home and as a result Monaco could be backed with confidence to win here.

Considering all the above mentioned facts and form analysis, a correct score prediction of 2-1 in favour of the hosts will come in handy. The odds of 9.00 (8/1) and too tempting to reject.