Our Prediction for Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG
The BayArena welcomes one of the most intriguing ties of the Champions League group stage as Bayer Leverkusen meet Paris Saint-Germain. Both sides arrive with sharp attacking form and managers committed to high-tempo pressing football. Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen have shown resilience in domestic play, while Luis Enrique’s PSG remain unbeaten in Europe so far this campaign.
Expect an open, technical encounter. Leverkusen’s midfield pairing of Robert Andrich and Equi Fernández will look to dictate rhythm, but PSG’s creative core led by Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia may prove decisive. With Gonçalo Ramos in confident scoring form, the visitors could just have the extra edge.
Prediction: PSG to win 2–1.
Bayer Leverkusen Form Analysis
Leverkusen have carried their strong Bundesliga momentum into Europe, combining precise buildup with direct wing play. Alejandro Grimaldo and Lucas Vázquez stretch the pitch effectively, while Claudio Echeverri continues to grow into his playmaking role behind the striker. Defensively, Tapsoba and Badé provide aerial strength, although transitions have occasionally exposed them.
Patrik Schick remains sidelined through a hamstring issue, and Nathan Tella is still regaining full match fitness. Despite that, Hjulmand’s team retains a solid structure and enough attacking verve to challenge any side at home.
Paris Saint-Germain Form Analysis
PSG have been clinical under Luis Enrique, recording consecutive wins in both Ligue 1 and Europe. The blend of experience and youthful energy in midfield with players like Vitinha, João Neves, and Warren Zaïre-Emery has brought fluency and control. Kvaratskhelia’s arrival has added unpredictability on the left, complementing Bradley Barcola’s pace and Gonçalo Ramos’ movement in the box.
Fabián Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé remain unavailable with muscle strains, but overall depth allows PSG to maintain balance. Their defensive pairing of Marquinhos and Lucas Hernández anchors a back line that has conceded only twice in the group stage so far.
Best Betting Odds for Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG
| Market |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG to Win | 1.62 | 1.58 | 1.58 |
| Draw | 4.20 | 3.20 | 4.20 |
| Bayer Leverkusen to Win | 4.80 | 4.75 | 4.75 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.52 | 1.53 | 1.55 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.58 | 1.58 | 1.58 |
PSG remain slight favourites given their superior squad depth and attacking quality, while Leverkusen’s impressive home record ensures this contest is no foregone conclusion. Many Champions League betting predictions point to goals at both ends, with value in a 2–1 away win or an over 2.5 goals bet. Punters seeking Champions League tips this week might note PSG’s strong recent form away from Paris, but Leverkusen’s pressing and wide rotations could still disrupt their rhythm. Expect an open, high-intensity encounter
Last Encounters Between Bayer Leverkusen and PSG
12/03/2014: PSG 2–1 Bayer Leverkusen (UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg)
18/02/2014: Bayer Leverkusen 0–4 PSG (UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg)
2013/14: PSG 6–1 Bayer Leverkusen (UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals Aggregate)
Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1)
GK Mark Flekken
CB Edmond Tapsoba CB Loïc Badé CB Alejandro Grimaldo
RWB Lucas Vázquez CM Robert Andrich CM Equi Fernández LWB Arthur
AM Malik Tillman AM Claudio Echeverri
ST Ernest Poku
Injured / Suspended: Patrik Schick (out), Nathan Tella (doubtful)
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
GK Lucas Chevalier
RB Achraf Hakimi CB Marquinhos CB Lucas Hernández LB Nuno Mendes
CM Vitinha CM João Neves CM Warren Zaïre-Emery
RW Bradley Barcola ST Gonçalo Ramos LW Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Injured / Suspended: Fabián Ruiz (out), Ousmane Dembélé (out)
Coach: Luis Enrique
Where to Watch Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG
Fans in the UK can watch this match live on TNT Sports, with kick-off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday 21 October.
Players That Used to Play in the EFL
Mark Flekken – Formerly Birmingham City
Before becoming a mainstay in the Bundesliga, Flekken had a short spell in England where he trained with Birmingham City’s development squad. Though appearances were limited, the experience of English football’s physical style influenced his confident command of the penalty area.
Vitinha – Formerly Wolverhampton Wanderers
Vitinha’s loan at Wolves during the 2020/21 season offered an early glimpse of his technique and spatial awareness. Those months in the Premier League helped him adapt to higher tempo football and laid the foundation for his evolution into one of Europe’s most composed midfielders.
Loïc Badé – Formerly Nottingham Forest (loan)
Badé spent part of the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, making key appearances during their Premier League survival run. The experience of dealing with direct English forwards strengthened his positional discipline and aerial duels, qualities now evident in his Leverkusen performances.
