Bayer Leverkusen vs Valencia Preview and Betting Tips – 19th Oct

October 18, 2011

This is the first battle between the two teams eying up the second Champions League qualifying spot in Group E. Group leaders Chelsea travel to bottom side Genk so Leverkusen and Valencia will be looking to keep in touch with the Blues here.

Leverkusen are 11/8 favourites to win the match, the draw is 23/10 and Valencia are 2/1. New Paddy Power customers can get up to £50 in free bets – we recommend a £10 bet on the draw to win £33, you will get a free £10 bet.

Leverkusen sit second in the group having won one and lost one. After a defeat at Stamford Bridge ‘Werkself’ despatched Genk 2-0 in comfortable fashion at home last time out. They have a entertaining midfield featuring the likes of Michael Ballack, Tranquillo Barnetta and Brazilian international Renato Augusto. They aren’t the most fashionable of teams (‘Werkself’ means ‘Factory Team’) but they should look to attack the Spaniards, particularly with home advantage.

Leverkusen actually finished above Bayern Munich in last season’s Bundesliga but they have had an inconsistent start to this year sitting eigth in the table. They also have a negative goal difference, mainly thanks to a 1-4 defeat at home against FC Köln. They will need to improve their league form and may see the Champions League as somewhat of a distraction.

Valencia have had a fairly non-descript start to the European campaign this year, they have no losses but unfortunately no wins. After a disappointing stalemate away at Genk they then scored late on to salvage a draw against Chelsea. They started poorly against the blues but dominated the last 30 minutes and were worthy of a draw. They are a solid team but lack the creative spark they used to have, that went with the sales of Villa, Silva and Mata. They do keep the ball well though, they are a Spanish club side after all.

Valencia finished third in the league last season with El Classico’s big two taking the top spots. They have had a decent start this time out and sit fifth with four wins from seven games. Something to worry the defence of Leverkusen will be the form of Roberto Soldado, the Spanish international has banged in five so far in the league.

Expect this to be a tight game. Both sides will be desperate not to lose as it will lead to an uphill struggle in qualifying from the group. Valencia will look to keep it tight away from home and if either side snatch a goal then they would look to shut up shop. Could go either way but a draw is looking very likely. Michael Ballack and Roberto Soldado are both involved with set pieces and are good bets for first goalscorers.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Valencia Betting Tips

Roberto Soldado to score first and Valencia to win 0-1 – 30/1 (Paddy Power) – Bet £10 here and win £310, also get a free £10 bet whether the bet wins or loses.