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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
LEVERKUSEN  Leno Balitsch, Schwaab, Renartz, Kadlec Rolfes, Bender Sam, Ballack, Schurrle Kiessling | VALENCIA  Guaita Bruno, Ruiz, Rami, Jordi Alba Albelda, Parejo Pablo Hernandez, Canales, Piatti Soldado |
Leverkusen welcome Valencia to Germany without several key players due to injury as Robin Dutt's side look to return to winning ways in the Champions League.
Bernd Leno will continue to deputise for the injured Rene Adler in goal, whilst star men Renato Augusto and Tranquillo Barnetta are both absent because of knee injuries. Andre Schurrle could be utilised as a winger, or centrally behind a main striker, depending on how Dutt decides to line up his midfield. Michael Ortega is also unavailable after the Colombian picked up a meniscus injury.
Valencia, meanwhile, are without Hedwiges Maduro who damaged ankle ligaments whilst on international duty. The Dutchman is expected to be out for at least two months. Ever Banega is also unlikely to participate after the Argentine missed the 1-1 draw against Mallorca at the weekend.
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Leverkusen have recorded a win and a loss from their opening two matches, seeing the Germans lie second in Group E.
- Last season's Bundesliga runners-up do not enjoy playing against Spanish opponents; Leverkusen have not won any of their last seven encounters against teams from La Liga.
- Robin Dutt's team have won their last two home games in the Bundesliga, but they did lose 4-1 in the derby match against Koln.
- Valencia have drawn their opening two fixtures in the Champions League, with Roberto Soldado rescuing a point against Chelsea in the last matchday.
- Los Che have failed to score more than one goal in their last four matches in all competitons, the last time they managed two or more was against Barcelona in a 2-2 draw.
- Unai Emery's side have enjoyed a respectable start to la Liga campaign, los Che are placed fifth in the league with 14 points from their opening seven games; three away from top spot.
Prediction
Neither side will want to give the other the upper-hand in Group E as they look to follow Chelsea into the knockout stages, and could well cancel each other out in Germany.
Editor's Prediction
Leverkusen 1-1 Valencia 
