Bayer Leverkusen vs Hacken Gothenburg Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 19/09/2023, 23:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 21/09/2023 at 04:45 in Europa League Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen will play host to Hacken in the opening match of Group H in the Europa League. The hosts finished in sixth place in the Bundesliga last season, which allowed them direct entry to this competition. They come into this match off the back of a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last week. That result kept their unbeaten record this season intact, and they now lead their domestic league with ten points after four matches. Including pre-season, Leverkusen are now unbeaten in eight games, winning seven. The hosts reached the semi-final of this competition last season but were beaten by Roma 1-0 on aggregate. They will be determined to go one better this season and will want to get off to a winning start in this one. The bookmakers have the hosts down as the overwhelming favourites. 

Meanwhile, Hacken won the Alsvenskan last season and were involved in Champions League qualifying over the last month. However, after making a winning start against The New Saints, they were beaten on penalties by KI in the second round. Hacken then hit their stride in this competition with an 8-1 aggregate win over Zalgiris and a 5-3 win over Aberdeen in the playoffs.  The visitors managed a much-needed  3-2 win over Halmstad last week. That result keeps them in the hunt to defend their league title, currently in third place and two points behind the leaders. Hacken have won both their previous away games in this competition, though they are likely to find it more difficult here against much tougher opponents.