Darmstadt 98 vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Only eight matches remain for Darmstadt 98 to make up the 14-point gap between themselves and safety from the relegation zone. With just 15 points to their name and a goal difference of -34, Darmstadt have the worst record of any Bundesliga side since the introduction of the three-point rule in 1995, so things look ominous for Torsten Frings’ side. However, the Lillies have shown they’ll fight to the bitter end while there’s still hope.

Bayer Leverkusen’s managerial change of Roger Schmidt for interim coach Tayfun Korkut hasn’t provided the spark many would have hoped – Leverkusen are win-less in four across all competitions under Korkut (D3 L1). Repeating last season’s Champions League qualification is now out of the question and if Leverkusen fail to get a result this Sunday, avoiding the relegation play-off will be more of a concern than Europe – Augsburg, who stand third from bottom, trail just three points behind them.

Bayer Leverkusen are the favourites here at 4/6 with bet365, but given the visitors recent inconsistencies, we feel that backing “both teams to score” at 3/4 is the safer bet for the following reasons: though Darmstadt’s home record is far from perfect (W4 D3 L6), it’s been on the road where the Lilies have struggled in front of goal. Darmstadt have scored at least one goal in all of their last four matches at the Jonathan-Heimes-Stadion, including in 2-1 wins against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05, and with nothing to lose this Wednesday, Darmstadt will certainly be prepared to get bodies forward if need be. Similarly, though Leverkusen have struggled with defensive inconsistency, Kurkut’s side have scored at least one goal in 83% of their Bundesliga matches on the road this season. Consequently, both teams have scored in a massive 75% of Leverkusen’s away matches.

Regarding a correct score bet, while we expect Darmstadt to make Leverkusen work hard for a result, the visitors should ultimately have a decent edge here. Leverkusen were close to ending their win-less streak last weekend and Korkut will have no better opportunity to prove himself than against bottom of the table Darmstadt. As such, we feel there’s huge value to be had in a 3-1 Leverkusen win at 12/1 with bet365.