The draw for the Europa League quarter-final threw up some mouthwatering games, with Leverkusen versus West Ham sure to be a cracking tie.
Leverkusen are currently riding high at the top of the Bundesliga and could win the title this weekend for the first time in their history. Nobody has finished as runners-up in the German top-flight on more occasions than them, but this season they are set to be the bride and not just a bridesmaid.
West Ham are seventh in the Premier League at the moment, poised to qualify for Europe once again under David Moyes.
Current Form
Leverkusen Current Form
Not only are Leverkusen on course for the Bundesliga, but they are also on course for a treble due to their continued participation in the Europa League and the German Cup.
Remarkably, they could achieve this feat without tasting a single defeat this campaign.
Yes, Xabi Alonso has not tasted defeat in 2023/24 as a manager.
Leverkusen are on a run of six straight wins in all competitions, and at the weekend defeated Union Berlin 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Florian Wirtz.
West Ham Current Form
West Ham's recent form is up and down as over their last five in all competitions they have won two, drawn two and lost one.
They have recovered well from that dramatic last-minute loss against Newcastle to draw with Tottenham and then defeat Wolves this past weekend.
The Hammers overcame another German side, Freiburg, over two legs to reach the quarter-final of the Europa League.
Leverkusen Team News
Leverkusen may have won at the weekend, but they didn't come through it unscathed as both Adam Hlozek and Nathan Tella were forced off due to injury, with the former set to miss a couple of weeks of action.
They were boosted by the return of striker Victor Boniface for that game, but he hadn't played since December prior to Union Berlin so two matches in a week may come too quickly for the Nigerian.
Arthur is available again but not fully fit.
Key player: Leverkusen
West Ham Team News
West Ham aren't without their problems, too, as key player Jarrod Bowen had to be withdrawn against Wolves due to bruising on his spine. A huge loss for the Hammers as he has enjoyed a wonderful season so far.
Alphonse Areola is out with a groin issue, while Edson Alvarez is suspended.
Key player: West Ham
Scoreline Prediction
Leverkusen would appear to be unstoppable at the moment and Bowen is a huge, huge loss for West Ham if he can't make the game due to injury.
Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match kicks off at 20:00 on the 11th of April, 2024.
What was the score the last time Leverkusen played West Ham? Leverkusen have only played West Ham once before and it actually came this campaign in a pre-season friendly in which the German side won 4-0.
What is Leverkusen's next match? After West Ham, Leverkusen face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
What is West Ham's next match? After Leverkusen, West Ham face Fulham in the Premier League.
Who is Leverkusen's top scorer? Victor Boniface has scored 10 Bundesliga goals this season. Patrick Schick has scored five in the Europa League.
Who is West Ham's top scorer? Jarrod Bowen has scored 15 Premier League goals this season. Mohammed Kudus has scored eight in the Europa League.
