West Ham tonight have the unenviable task of taking on Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Xabi Alonso’s side have not lost a game in any competition all season, a run stretching to 41 games.
Now seemingly inevitable to win the Bundesliga title, the German league leaders can put their full efforts into this tie with the Hammers ahead of a likely coronation at home to Werder Bremen in between the two legs.
Unfortunately for Leverkusen, West Ham are adept at being the underdogs.
These are often the matches where they produce their best form and a convincing comeback win over Freiburg showed their European credentials, while Bayer at times looked nervy against Qarabag in their last-16 tie.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Thursday, April 11, 2024.
The match will take place at BayArena.
West Ham smashed Freiburg to progress from the last-16 (Nigel French/PA Wire)
Where to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham team news
Leverkusen are hoping to welcome defender Arthur back from a thigh injury on Thursday night after Nigerian striker Victor Boniface made his return recently.
Exequiel Palacios was also absent on the weekend after contending with leg muscle trouble.
West Ham’s chief concern is Jarrod Bowen, who has been ruled out after picking up a knock during the weekend win at Wolves. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is another doubt.
Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham prediction
A draw would be a great result for the Hammers in this away first leg but Leverkusen appear to have a date with destiny.
Leverkusen to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first meeting between the teams in competitive football, although Leverkusen won a pre-season friendly 4-0 last summer.
Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham match odds
Bayer Leverkusen: 2/5
West Ham: 11/2
Draw: 18/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
