13th February 2012
Bayer Leverkusen chiefs probably rued their luck when they were pitted against reigning champions at the Champions League draw, but Barcelona are far from the desired form at the moment and that could be an opportunity for the Germans to record a good result before the return leg at Camp Nou. The Catalans, nonetheless, remain hot favourites to progress to the next stage.
After finishing the last Bundesliga campaign in second place, Bayer Leverkusen were unable to prevent star players Arturo Vidal and Patrick Helmes from leaving the club, but they did sign a number of talented individuals in the summer, with keeper Bernd Leno and striker Andre Shurrle proving to be great captures. Bayer did well to reach the Champions League knockout rounds as they finished second in their group, in front of Valencia and Genk, but the team have since experienced quite a few problems on domestic stage. Die Werkself have now won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, so it goes without saying that players enter this game low on confidence. To add insult to injury, coach Robin Dutt has stayed without three very important players last week, as Eren Derdiyok, Sidney Sam and Michael Ballack all joined the infirmary and the trio is out of contention for the Barcelona game. The only good news is that Lars Bender and Andre Schurrle have recovered from injury and they are expected in the starting line-up.
Barcelona are clearly not playing to their potential this term, but the Catalans still have plenty of time to turn this season into a success. The 3-2 defeat to Osasuna at the weekend saw their La Liga title hopes go out in smoke, as Real Madrid cannot be expected to squander a ten-point advantage in the remainder of the league campaign. Nevertheless, the Catalans did well to qualify for the Copa del Rey final, where they are set to face Athletic Bilbao, while they are now set to resume their Champions League campaign. Despite all the problems Pep Guardiola’s side faced over the last few months, they remain one of the main candidates for the trophy and I expect the Catalans to prove their credentials against injury-plagued Bayer Leverkusen. There are no doubts that Barcelona will raise their game now that Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas are set to return after they were rested against Osasuna, but Ibrahim Afellay and David Villa remain long-term casualties.
Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen have been far from impressive this season and with three important players missing out, die Werkself cannot be trusted to get something from this game. Barcelona are very motivated to prove everyone they haven’t forgotten how to play football and the odds are the Catalans will record a comfortable win at Bay Arena.
Verdict: Barcelona to win to nil
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Paddy Power
