Bayer Leverkusen v Manchester United: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to the Champions League Group A fixture at the BayArena

Jack Brennan
Wednesday 27 November 2013 10:02 GMT
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Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Champions League Group A match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad (Getty Images)

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Manchester United are currently top of Group A, one point ahead of Bayer Leverkusen. While David Moyes’ men aren’t firing on all cylinders in the league, the Scot can take some comfort from his sides’ form in Europe.

United will book their place in the last 16 with a win over Leverkusen with a game to spare. The Red Devils can also qualify if Real Sociedad beat Shakhtar Donetsk.

Sami Hypia’s Leverkusen are in fantastic form domestically this season and are four points behind Bayern Munich in second.

Sidney Sam is unavailable for the German side after suffering a thigh injury in Leverkusen’s 1-0 win against Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

Stefan Kiesling will be the danger man for Leverkusen having scored eight goals in the Bundesliga this season.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 19:45

LAST THREE MEETINGS:

Man United 4 (Rooney 2, Van Persie, Valencia) Bayer Leverkusen 2 (Rolfes, Toprak) 17 September, 2013.

Man United 2 ( Veron, van Nistelrooy) Bayer Leverkusen 0, 13 November 2002.

Man United 2 ( van Nistelrooy 2) Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Berbatov), 24 September 2002.

STATS:

United are ten games unbeaten in all competitions.

Ten wins in the first 13 top-flight games represents Leverkusen's best start to a Bundesliga season.

Marouane Fellaini is suspended following his late dismissal on match day four.

ODDS:

Man United win – 2.9

Bayer Leverkusen win – 2.45

Draw- 3.25

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2, 19:30.

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