Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Koln: Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 5)

Initial Thoughts

Bayer Leverkusen welcome FC Koln to the BayArena on Friday night, with Xabi Alonso’s side still very much in the mix for the Champions League places after an astonishing turnaround in the Bundesliga this season.

The Narrative

With all the drama surrounding Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s neck-and-neck race to the Bundesliga title, it’s easy to miss the incredible story that is Xabi Alonso at ​​Bayer Leverkusen this season.

Since taking over in October last year, Xabi has been overseeing a quiet revolution at the club - guiding Die Werkself from the relegation places to the cusp of European football.

The Spaniard had limited managerial experience when stepped into the role, having coached primarily at youth level for the Spanish national side as well as a stint overseeing Real Sociedad’s B team.

But it’s fair to say that Alonso has taken the German top flight by storm. Leverkusen have lost just a single match since mid-February and are currently on a 14 game unbeaten run in all competitions.

The German outfit are also at the business end of a hugely impressive cup run, with Xabi’s side heading to the Italian capital next week to take Roma in the semi-final of the Europa League.

The chance to book a place in a major European final might prove a distraction ahead of FC Koln’s visit to the Bay Arena on Friday night however. And last week Alonso’s side appeared to take their eyes off the prize when they dropped two important points in a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Union Berlin.

Koln arrived in Friday’s matchup having lost 1-0 at home to SC Frieberg in their last Bundesliga outing. But Steffen Baumgart have racked up convincing back-to-back wins in their last two away fixtures, overcoming both Hoffenheim and Augsburgh both by the same 3-1 scoreline.

Nuts and Bolts

After winning five Bundesliga matches in a row for the second time this season, Leverkusen have won only one of their last three games, and Xabi’s side need all three points on Friday to keep their push for the European places alive.

Currently in 6th place occupying a Europa Conference league spot, Leverkusen are just 8 points short of the Champions League places with 4 games left to play.

Koln have won only twice in their last ten league outings and Xavi’s side ran out 2-1 winners the last time these sides met back in November last year.

Homestand Picks

All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets

Bayer Leverkusen moneyline (-162)

After dropping points last week, we’re backing Leverkusen to get back on track and secure a league double against a side five spots lower in the league.

Bayer Leverkusen Over 1.5 goals (-165)

Xabi’s side have scored two or more goals in each of their last five home fixtures in the German top flight.

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