Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona
Champions League
KO 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
11 Mar 2003 Champions League Barcelona 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
27 Nov 2002 Champions League Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Barcelona
17 Oct 2001 Champions League Barcelona 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
25 Sep 2001 Champions League Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Barcelona
PREVIEW
Barcelona’s 3-2 defeat against Osasuna leaves them ten points adrift of Real Madrid and needing a small miracle if they’re to overhaul the league leaders. Pep Guardiola’s side have been ravaged by injuries over the past few weeks and the Catalans will have their work cut out against a strong Bayer Leverkusen outfit.
The Germans impressed at home in the group stages and beat both Valencia and Chelsea as they narrowly finished runners-up in Group E. Leverkusen won all of their group games and will certainly fancy their chances against a fragile looking Barca side. Manager Robin Dutt has his own injury worries after Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the contest.
With the league looking out of reach already, Guardiola may be inclined to focus solely on landing successive Champions League titles. Before Christmas Barca were superb in the group stages and scored an impressive 20 goals. Last year’s champions have been beaten twice in their past six games across all competitions.
Barca have only lost to their German opponents once and they’ve won the past three meetings. However, Barca have struggled in recent weeks and are lacking some influential midfield players to offer the control needed in a tight European away night. Leverkusen showed enough in the group stage to suggest they can hold a depleted Barca to a draw – which can be backed at around 4.8 on BETDAQ.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back the draw at around 4.8: 3 points
Monday’s Return: +3.20 points
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