Bayer Leverkusen head into their UEFA Europa League fixture against OFI with a significant advantage in form. The League Stage match takes place on Thursday, 22 October, at 18:45 local time at the Pankritio Stadium.
The Werkself enter the contest on a run of five consecutive competitive victories. In the Bundesliga, the club most recently secured a 2-1 home win against SC Freiburg and sits fourth in the table with 13 points from six matches. This places Leverkusen just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich. Their recent form over the last five games reads five wins and no draws. This run includes a 4-0 away victory at Lech Poznan and a 4-3 win at Mainz 05.
Opponent's Form and Lineup
OFI approach the match with mixed recent results. A 2-0 home win against TSG Hoffenheim was followed by a 1-2 away defeat to Stade Rennes. Their last starting XI featured Christogeorgos in goal and Nuss in attack. Leverkusen's most recent lineup against Freiburg included Flekken in goal, a back four of Quansah and Tapsoba, and the in-form striker Patrik Schick, who both scored and provided an assist in the 2-1 win over Freiburg.
The Europa League presents Leverkusen with an opportunity to extend their positive momentum on the continental stage. Immediately after the trip to Greece, a Bundesliga away fixture at TSG Hoffenheim awaits on Sunday, 25 October, with Hoffenheim currently 14th in the table. The last meeting with Hoffenheim ended in a 1-0 defeat for Leverkusen in January. The current form and tight title race make every game key for their ambitions.
