Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United Preview: lineups & betting tips | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

[(Bayer 04 Leverkusen) Strength]:
1. Forward Patrik Schick is expected to partner with attackers Christian Kofane and Malik Tillman.

[(Bayer 04 Leverkusen) Neutral]:
1. Bayer 04 Leverkusen are 17th with 8 points in the Champions League league phase, 2 points behind 8th-placed Sporting CP.
2. Bayer 04 Leverkusen lost 2-0 to FC Augsburg on December 6, failing to score for the first time in their last seven matches, during which they had kept four clean sheets and scored 14 goals.
3. Bayer 04 Leverkusen are ranked 4th in the Bundesliga, taking 23 points after 13 rounds, with 28 goals scored and 19 conceded.

[(Bayer 04 Leverkusen) Weakness]:
1. Midfielder Exequiel Palacios is sidelined due to a groin injury.
2. Bayer 04 Leverkusen got wins and losses by turns in the last 4 games, revealing unstable recent form.
3. Bayer 04 Leverkusen lost their 2 encounters between the two teams, placing them at a disadvantage.

[(Newcastle United F.C.) Strength]:
1. Despite the team's challenges, Bruno Guimaraes has excelled in midfield, and the Brazilian is likely to partner with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
2. Nick Woltemade is certain to start, while Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga both hope to make a strong impression.
3. Newcastle United F.C. remained unbeaten in the last 3 games, indicating outstanding recent form.
4. Newcastle United F.C. scored 6 goals and conceded 2 in the last 2 encounters between the two teams, having the upper hand.

[(Newcastle United F.C.) Neutral]:
1. With Nick Pope injured, Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal, protected by center-backs Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw.

[(Newcastle United F.C.) Weakness]:
1. On November 26, Newcastle United F.C. lost 2-1 to Olympique de Marseille in France. Despite taking the lead after just six minutes, they failed to create a single clear-cut chance for the remainder of the match.
2. Newcastle United F.C. performed poorly in this season's Premier League, currently ranking 12th with 22 points.

[Tips]:
Newcastle United F.C. currently lead Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the standings and naturally hope to extend their advantage in this match.

Comparing the recent form of both sides, Bayer 04 Leverkusen got wins and losses by turns in their last 4 matches; on the other hand, Newcastle United F.C. remained unbeaten in their last 3 matches.

Looking at the head-to-head record, Newcastle United F.C. hold the upper hand.

Currently, the odds give the away team a -0.25 handicap.

Considering that Newcastle United F.C. are overall stronger, they are favored to win this match.

[Recommended]:
Newcastle United F.C. (-0/0.5)