West Ham United – Bayer Leverkusen betting tip
It is somewhat curious: Although Bayer Leverkusen are facing a real highlight with the quarter-final second leg of the Europa League against West Ham United, the game is somewhat inconvenient for the Werkself.
After all, the Rhinelanders clinched the first German championship in the club’s history on Sunday and are now caught between two emotional stools, so to speak.
On the one hand, it’s time to celebrate. On the other hand, they have a hugely important game against the English side coming up.
In my West Ham Leverkusen betting tip, I will therefore cast doubt on whether the Bundesliga side will progress to the next round without any problems after their 2-0 first-leg win
Much more I expect furious attacks from the Premier League team, which – as I will show – is quite strong at home and could pose problems for Leverkusen.
Overall, I assume that West Ham will want to involve their opponents in an open exchange of blows and therefore the bet “Over 2.5 goals” at odds of 1.61 at Oddset is a sensible betting selection.
One way or another, it is clear that the English will have to go on the offensive right from the start. This should in turn offer Bayer space to counterattack.
Accordingly, there should be a lot going on in the respective penalty areas. Therefore, my West Ham Leverkusen prediction: You should be prepared for a turbulent back and forth
The bookmakers’ prediction
For our bookmakers, Bayer Leverkusen are the favorites going into the match, but odds of just under 2.00 show that not everything is clearly on track here.
The fact that Bayer can also afford a narrow defeat after the 2:0 in the first leg naturally plays a role here. The draw is around 3.80, but is not a suitable choice for me.
The West Ham win at odds of around 3.70 would be much more interesting for me if I had to opt for a 1×2 bet. In general, I assume that the Premier League club is a little underestimated by the bookmakers
Analysis: West Ham vs Leverkusen
Fact is, however, that West Ham United have struggled with form recently. They have won just two of nine matches in all competitions.
However, the 2-0 defeat to Leverkusen and the recent loss to Fulham were the first games in a long time in which they failed to score. They had scored at least one goal in each of the previous six games.
One thing is clear: West Ham MUST score at least two goals against Bayer. The odds for this are 2.50 and are worth considering given the starting position.
The Hammers are one of the better attacking teams in the Premier League. After 33 matches, they have scored 52 goals. Moreover, the comeback qualities of the English side should not be underestimated.
West Ham have already trailed by at least two goals after the first leg four times in a European knockout round. Twice they have managed to turn the tables and progress to the next round.
The 8.50 odds for the underdog to progress are therefore very suitable for a risk bet.
To be honest, I’m a little skeptical about Leverkusen’s performance on the island.
The emotional turmoil after the championship should not be taken lightly. I wouldn’t put my hand in the fire that Bayer can avoid a drop in tension and perform with their usual confidence against West Ham.
However, the facts speak in Bayer’s favor. Xabi Alonso’s team have not lost a competitive match since May 2023.
This run of success has long since taken on historic proportions and doesn’t exactly make picking a bet easy.
Overall, however, I don’t think a Leverkusen away win in London is set in stone given the special circumstances.
The “double chance 1X” at odds of 1.85 is therefore a very strong betting alternative for me.
Analysis of odds
For those of you who generally assume that West Ham United will put all their eggs in one basket from the start and Bayer Leverkusen will press from the first minute, you could perhaps even take a look at the bet “1st goal West Ham” with a free bet.
The odds are currently 2.30 and seem extremely profitable to me. The classic “Both teams to score” is also an alternative.
With a value of approx. 1.60 at NEObet Germany, the odds are below average overall. In view of the starting position, however, the bet is still very playable.
The West Ham lead at half-time is also interesting. If the English are ahead at the break, there are strong odds of 3.90.
The past speaks for Bayer!
From a statistical point of view, Bayer Leverkusen can already plan for the semi-finals of the Europa League.
In the previous 13 instances in which Bayer led by at least two goals after the first leg in a knockout round of a European competition, they have never been eliminated in the second leg.
Leverkusen also have the second-best European Cup winning streak in the club’s history with ten unbeaten games. Only from 1986 to 1988 were they better, with 14 games without defeat.
England does not suit Leverkusen
The direct comparison only gives a limited indication of the upcoming quarter-final second leg between West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen.
After all, the two teams have only met twice so far. In addition to Leverkusen’s 2-0 win in the first leg, Bayer also recorded a 4-0 victory in a test match in 2023.
After two games, the Bundesliga club therefore have an impeccable record of two wins and 6-0 goals
However, there are quite a few statistics in West Ham’s favor. The capital side have won three of their last four home games against German teams.
SC Freiburg have already experienced this home strength first-hand this season. In their two away games in London, the Breisgau side ultimately didn’t stand a chance (0:2, 0:5).
In any case, West Ham have won their last eleven European Cup home games
Seven of them were even won by at least two goals to one. So I don’t believe that Bayer Leverkusen can already plan for the semi-finals.
The Werkself’s record against English teams is generally rather negative.
Their statistics currently show six wins, five draws and 13 defeats. Interesting fact: The Rhinelanders have not won more than one competitive match against any Premier League team to date
My West Ham Leverkusen tip:
I don’t want to paint the famous devil on the wall from Bayer’s point of view, but I am firmly convinced that Leverkusen face an extremely tricky task against West Ham.
I have clearly documented West Ham’s home strength in the European Cup. In addition, it is hard to predict what mental state Leverkusen are in after winning the Bundesliga title.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if Bayer were to find themselves in dire straits in London. Either way, I expect a turbulent game with plenty of goalmouth action.
My West Ham Leverkusen betting tip is therefore: There will be over 2.5 goals in total!
