Lokomotiv Moscow vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions

Both sides can still technically qualify for the Champions League knockout stages but it looks very unlikely. There is still plenty on the line here, though, with the winner being the most likely team to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League. Lokomotiv Moscow currently hold the advantage, with a single goal scored being the difference between the two sides at this point.

Lokomotiv Moscow’s opening-day win over Bayer Leverkusen in the reverse fixture is what separates the two sides at the moment. But since then the Russians haven’t enjoyed a successful campaign, with two losses against Juventus and a 2-0 defeat at home to Atletico. They’ve averaged four shots on target in that time but only scored twice in what has been a disappointing run. 

The fortunes of Bayer Leverkusen have been the opposite of their opponents this week, with three defeats in a row being ended with victory over Atletico last time out, keeping them in contention for qualification. Their conversion rate has been fairly average, scoring one in every three shots on target, but they’ll need to be a little more clinical in the final third to find the win in a tough game in the Russian capital.

With a lot being on the line here, we can see this game being quite open, especially with each team knowing the other could pick up a result in the final group game; we’re therefore predicting both teams to score. There should be goals in this one, with neither side really being content with a goalless draw, and we’ve got confidence both sides will find the net. 

There isn’t a lot to pick between the two sides and we can definitely see this one being settled by a single goal. We’ve given Bayer Leverkusen the slight edge with their form being slightly better, as Lokomotiv Moscow battle to end their poor run of results. We think the Germans will come out of this contest with a 2-1 win, a result that these sides have seen four times in their seven Champions League games so far this season.