With the likes of Bayer Leverkusen looking to maintain their spot at the top of the Bundesliga table on Sunday afternoon, we have another heavyweight schedule from across Europe’s elite.
Including a host of eye-catching affairs from the likes of Spain, Italy and Germany, we have found a pair of showdowns that are worth keeping an eye out for.
14:30 Bayer Leverkusen vs Koln
Only continuing on what has been a stellar run of form since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Bayer Leverkusen are certainly riding a major wave of momentum. Gaining a string of plaudits from across the continent, it is no secret that Xabi Alonso’s high-flying squad have their sights set on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this season.
Last seen earlier in the week making it back-to-back Europa League victories as they landed a 2-1 win away at Molde, the one-time Real Madrid midfielder will be calling on his squad to lay down another marker here.
Winning each of their last four appearances across all competitions, Sunday’s hosts have also gained a real reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Including a routine 3-0 victory away at Mainz last weekend, Leverkusen have notched 12 strikes on their four-match winning run.
Likewise, mustering 16 points from just their opening six Bundesliga appearances, Alonso’s men will be confident of cashing in on a Koln squad that are enduring a public struggle.
While Sunday’s guests might have opened the new Bundesliga campaign dreaming of the chance to claim a top-half finish, the Billy Goats appear destined for a relegation scrap this season.
Opening this weekend’s fixtures battling it out in the drop zone, Steffen Baumgart’s downbeat squad have remarkably mustered just a single Bundesliga point from any of their first six Bundesliga showdowns.
Marking their return from September’s international break with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Hoffenheim, Koln will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.
Betting Tip: Bayer Leverkusen to score in both halves @ 1/1 with
17:30 Alaves vs Real Betis
While Real Betis might have shown some extended issues since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Sunday’s guests have certainly claimed a welcomed boost over the past week. Looking to mount a genuine top-four charge this time around, Manuel Pellegrini’s side should be confident of laying down a marker this weekend.
Last seen a few days ago picking up a first Europa League win as they landed an action-packed 2-1 win at home against Sparta Prague, the former West Ham boss has seen his squad muster back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
Putting in a season-best performance last weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp against Valencia, Los Verderones are also unbeaten in each of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
Landing a stellar 4-0 victory when they last welcomed Sunday’s guests to the Estadio Benito Villamarin back in January 2022, Betis will be seeking a repeat display here.
On the flip side, while Alaves might have managed to pinch a La Liga return for this season, El Glorioso know that they face a real battle to keep hold of their top-flight status this time around.
Putting in another worrying performance last weekend as they were hit with a 2-0 defeat at home against Osasuna, Luis Garcia Plaza’s men are enduring a real struggle since returning from September’s international break.
Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a deserved 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rayo Vallecano, Sunday’s hosts have claimed just a single point from their last four La Liga outings.
Showing some rather glaring issues in the final third and bagging just one goal in over 400 minutes of action, we are backing an away victory this weekend.
Betting Tip: Real Betis win @ 17/10 with
Sunday s European Double
Bayer Leverkusen vs Koln Bayer Leverkusen to score in both halves @ 1/1
Alaves vs Real Betis Real Betis win @ 17/10
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with and pocket £54.00 if all predictions are correct.
