Neuville backs Gladbach for Europa League

Former Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Oliver Neuville believes the team can finish the season in the Europa League places.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the Borussia Park outfit have been a revelation this term, going into the winter break in fourth place.

Neuville, who represented the club between 2004 and 2010, acknowledges that a top-four finish is possible, but says Europa League qualification should be expected.

“Reaching the Champions League is quite possible, but of course they will not say that,” Neuville told Goal.com.

“They have a 10-point lead over the non-European places. In football you never know, but usually they must be inside the Europa League.”

Neuville backed Lucien Favre’s side to follow up their early-season victory over Bayern Munich, with another win against the Bavarian side on Friday.

“The first game of the second round takes place at home against Bayern Munich. Gladbach can beat anyone at home,” he said.

“A championship bid would be a little harder, of course, but should they win against Bayern, they would only be a point behind.”