On Thursday night, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen meet at the Stade Louis ll in the second leg of their Europa League last 32 clash. The tie is still all to play for, as Monaco won the first leg at the BayArena 3-2.
Monaco form guideThe team from the principality have been in blistering form of late, as Monaco heads into this clash on the back of a five-game winning streak in all competitions. The home team is also unbeaten in their last 11 competitive games since returning from the break.
One impressive aspect of Monaco’s play in recent months has been their firepower, as Philippe Clement’s team has scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine matches, including scoring at least two goals in each match of their five-game winning run.
The visitors also have a decent recent record in the Europa League, winning three of their previous five games in the competition.
Bayer Leverkusen form guideThe German team’s recent form has been poor, as a 3-2 home defeat against Mainz in their last outing means that Die Werkself has now lost four of their previous five games in all competitions. The fact that they have conceded at least two goals in three of their last five games has not helped their chances of picking up wins.
Xabi Alonso’s team dropped out of the Champions League after finishing third place in their group. However, Bayer has a poor recent record in the Europa League, as they have now lost their last four games in the competition.
Latest team newsMonaco looks set to be without Vanderson and Ruben Aguilar through injury. Bayer could be missing Charles Aranguiz, Andrey Lunev and maybe most crucially, star winger Moussa Diaby due to various injuries.
What am I backing?Monaco’s form has really picked up lately, while Bayer is experiencing a poor run of form again. I believe this game will produce goals, so the bet I am backing is over 2.5 goals scored.