Leverkusen – Lazio

Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio Roma will square off in the Champions League playoffs second leg, with the Italian side holding a 1-0 advantage due to a home win last week.

Leverkusen will surely be disappointed with that defeat in Rome, that was a close game and Bayer had many chances – just could not convert them. Failing to get an away goal could prove crucial, but the Germans will draw confidence from the performance and also from their excellent domestic form. Leverkusen won both games in Bundesliga so far, 2-1 against Hoffenheim and 1-0 at Hannover.

Lazio also started the domestic league with a good result, a 2-1 home win against Bologna this weekend. The Italians are clearly a solid side, but they do seem second best to Leverkusen in terms of the level of football right now. The manager urged his side to play even better than in the first leg, stated that complete focus and determination is the only way for Lazio to qualify to the Champions League group stages.

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Team news:

Leverkusen will miss Jedvaj and Aranguiz, while Lazio has serious problems with injuries to key players. Key strikers Klose and Djordjevic are out, as well as star captain Biglia and regulat keeper Marchetti.

Leverkusen: Leno – Hilbert, Tah, Papadopoulos, Wendell – Bender, Kramer – Bellarabi, Son, Calhanoglu – Kiessling

Lazio Roma: Berisha – Basta, De Vrij, Radu, Lulic – Onazi, Cataldi, Parolo – Candreva, Balde Diao, Felipe Anderson

Leverkusen can defend very well when they need it, as seen in last years’ Champions League and many important Bundesliga matches. The first leg was an entertaining affair but both sides displayed quality in defense and looking at the first leg result and at the stakes here, I can`t see anybody taking risks. Another underish game seems likely, especially if we think that Lazio misses its main two strikers.

However, an early goal by Lazio could change the whole scenario, so instead of taking the under at full time, I will tip under 1 goal at half time – this way we can avoid risking an all out attacking scenario in the second half (depending on the score). I expect a very tentative first half and I believe it will finish 0-0, but the under 1 goal bet also proves a safety net in case of 1-0 / 0-1. Prediction: Leverkusen – Lazio Roma 2-0 (0-0 half time).

Pick: under 1 goal at half time
Odds: 2.03 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.21
Event date: 26 August