Bayer Leverkusen travel to Azerbaijan to play against Qarabağ FK in the round of 16 of the Europa League. On Thursday, Bayer will look to continue their unbeaten streak.
Match Overview
Qarabağ
Qarabağ won 4-1 on the weekend in the Azerbaijan Premier League to continue their 23 point lead at the top of the table.
Juninho is the club's top scorer this season with 15 goals in the league.
In the two previous meetings between the sides in this season's Europa League group stage, Bayer Leverkusen won both (5-1 at home and 1-0 away).
In Qarabağ's European history, they have lost seven of eight ties against Bundesliga opposition with a 1-1 draw against Freiburg last season being their best result.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 last weekend in the Rhine derby against rivals Köln thanks to goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Xabi Alonso remains unbeaten as Bayer Leverkusen coach in all competitions this season, totalling 34 games in all competitions.
Die Werkself's victory on Sunday in the Bundesliga meant they extended their lead at the top of the table to ten points.
Xabi Alonso has opted to rotate goalkeepers and play Matej Kovar in place of Lukas Hradecky who is resting for this tie.
Bayer Leverkusen have failed to make it past the last 16 stage in the Europa League two times in their last three years in the Europa League.
Florian Wirtz is the top scorer in the Europa League still active for Bayer Leverkusen, with ten goals.
Ahead of the last 16 tie against Qarabağ, Xabi Alonso said: "It was great to be in the semi-finals last year. But this year we want a bit more."
Team News
Qarabağ
Elvin Cafarguliyev is suspended following a red card for Qarabağ. Kevin Medina is also out with a knock and Júlio Romão is unavailable due to suspension.
Bayer Leverkusen
Victor Boniface is still out with the groin injury that sees him unavailable until April. Arthur is also missing with thigh problems.
Predicted Lineups
Qarabağ:
Lunev; Silva, Mustafazade, Hüseynov (c), Bayramov; Almeida, Janković; Andrade, Benzia, Zoubir; Juninho
Bayer Leverkusen:
Kovář; Stanišić, Tah (c), Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Hložek, Wirtz; Adli
Match Result
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