Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham

Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham Preview

Bayer Leverkusen picked up a sixth win on the trot in all competitions on the weekend with a 1-0 win on the road at Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga to stretch their lead at the top of the domestic top flight table to an unassailable 16 points over second placed Bayern Munich, so the Champions League beckons for Bayer Leverkusen next season, while West Ham registered a 2-1 win away from home at Wolves on the weekend in the Premier League after being 1-0 down.

Bayer Leverkusen have been somewhat of the surprise package in the German top flight this season under manager Xabi Alonso as the hosts' best finish previously was third place which they have achieved three times in the past 11 seasons but this campaign has been a breakthrough season for Leverkusen.

The German hosts last tasted defeat back in July last year in a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad in a club friendly but they have subsequently put together an amazing 45-match unbeaten sequence in all competitions so Xabi Alonso's side will be a tough side to break down at their BayArena, especially as Bayer Leverkusen have won 22 of their last 24 home games in all competitions.

West Ham came from behind to beat Wolves at Molineux on Saturday as The Hammers went into the break 1-0 down but they stormed back to take all three points and this result will be a useful boost for David Moyes' side as they prepare for this tough trip to the BayArena on Thursday night.

However, although West Ham have lost just once in their last six matches overall, the London club's exploits in recent times have been much more modest than their German hosts as The Hammers have managed to pick up just four wins from their last 17 games in all competitions which does not bode well for an upcoming encounter against the runaway Bundesliga leaders.

West Ham accounted for another German club in the shape of Freiburg in the Round of last 16 in the Europa League, recording a 5-1 win on aggregate which was largely thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing over their opponents at their London Stadium but West Ham have generally struggled on their travels this season.

Just three wins from their last 11 away games in all competitions have been overshadowed by being handed seven defeats as well, but goals look set to feature on Thursday night as seven of West Ham's last 11 away games have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham Verdict

Understandably, Bayer Leverkusen are priced as overwhelming favourites but there should be a few goals in this clash.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.60

Other side bets worth considering:

Bayer Leverkusen win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.05

Correct Score: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 @ 8.50