Match Previews

Bayer Leverkusen defend a 3-2 lead away at Blackburn.... poor form in domestic league in recent weeks.... defender Juan (k) fit to play.... full squad available.... Bayer Leverkusen take a 3-2 lead from the first leg into this game away at Blackburn Rovers as they aim to claim at least a draw in this 2nd leg which would be enough to ensure a place in the next round. This however is easier said than done as Leverkusen are obviously out of form after the winter break as they have been playing very unstable in recent weeks while remaining winless in their last 4 Bundesliga games. In this light their 3-2 win against Blackburn in the first leg was their best game in recent weeks, which on the positive side shows that Leverkusen are able to raise their game against a strong opponent. The team flew off from Koln airport to Manchester on Wednesday morning, where they will be transferred by bus to Blackburn and have 2 training sessions on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning in Ewood Park. Early team news is that important defender Juan is still rated doubtful after a muscular injury kept him side-lined in the past weeks, but young Calssen-Bracker (sp) is doing fine as replacement for him in recent games. Leverkusen's main problem seems to be inconsistency and also the rather busy schedule seems to be taking it's toll as key players like Ramelow (k) and Schneider (k) looked really tired in last week's 0-1 home loss against Hannover which could have something to do with them having to play while not being fully fit in recent weeks. Midfielder Barbarez (r) is playing below his normal level for weeks now as coach Skibbe might consider to drop him out of the starting 11 as a more pacey player like Athirson (r) or Voronin (r) and Kiessling (r) will come into the team which looks better better suited for this game as Leverkusen are expected to be under pressure from the hosts and willl have to rely on fast counter attacks. Latest team news is positive as key defender Juan (k) is reported to be fit again after injury kept him out for weeks and he looks set to return in defense as Haggui (r) is on stand-by for him.