Ferencvarosi TC vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction (16.03.2023)

On Thursday night, Ferencvaros hosts Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last-16 second leg. The first leg ended in a 2-0 win to the German side at the BayArena.

The Hungarian league leaders head into this clash on the back of just one victory in their last six matches in all competitions. Ferencvaros followed up the first-leg defeat by suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat by Puskas.

The home team also has a poor recent record in the Europa League, winning just one of their last five games in the competition, having suffered three defeats in the poor run. Their recent European games have been relatively low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last three matches.

However, Ferencvaros have an excellent recent home record in the Europa League, as they are unbeaten in five European home games, having recorded four wins.

Die Werkself go into this clash on the back of a five-game unbeaten run, having recorded four victories and a draw. Last time out, Xabi Alonso’s team recorded a 3-2 win at Werder Bremen, which saw Bayer score at least two goals for the sixth time in seven competitive matches.

Bayer has recorded back-to-back victories in the Europa League after losing their previous four games in the competition. The German side has an inconsistent recent away record in the Europa League. However, a 3-2 win at Monaco in their last away match in Europe ended a three-game winless run on their travels in the competition.

Ferencvaros’ only likely absentee through injury is once again Bosnian midfielder Muhamed Besic, who misses out due to a long-term issue. Bayer are expected to once again be without Charles Aranguiz and Andrey Lunev through injury.

Ferencvaros have struggled for form of late, while Bayer have found form of late. I am backing Bayer to come out on top and book their place in the Europa League’s last eight.