Bayer Leverkusen v Juventus: Expect goals in crunch game for Germans

Dan Fitch has his money on there being goals in a game that is crucial for Bayer Leverkusen and likely to be experimental for Juventus...

Bayer Leverkusen 2.08 v Juventus 3.80; The Draw 3.90
Wednesday 11 December, 20:00
Live on BT Sport Extra

Leverkusen must win and hope for Atletico slip

Bayer Leverkusen need to beat Juventus to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The German side are a point behind second placed Atletico Madrid, who host Lokomotiv Moscow in their final game. Leverkusen must hope that a struggling Atletico side fail to win, while they claim three points to snatch a place in the last-16.

It's a task made easier for the fact that Juventus have already won Group D, though such is the strength of their squad, they are still likely to field a very strong side, even if Maurizio Sarri does decide to rotate. There is also a level of motivation for Juventus that could have been lacking, due to the fact that they have failed to win either of their last two games (D1 L1), losing 3-1 to Lazio at the weekend.

Leverkusen are certainly in the sort of form to pull off a win though. Unbeaten in six (W5 D1), they have beaten the likes of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich in recent weeks. Leverkusen are currently sixth in the Bundesliga, but with the table very tight, they are only six points away from the leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

Goals should flow

Leverkusen might have the greater need of a win, but Juventus cannot be written off and the price of 2.08 for a home victory does not appeal.

Better value is the 1.80 for over 2.5 goals. Juventus have conceded five goals in the last two games and have only kept one clean sheet from their last eight away matches. Bayer Leverkusen's last two matches have both broken the 2.5 goal barrier, with the side conceding in each of their last four home games.