Christof Koepsel
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
 HERTHA BERLIN Kraft Lell, Hubnik, Mijatovic, Kobiashvili Ottl, Niemeyer Ebert, Raffael, Ramos Lasogga |  BAYER LEVERKUSEN Leno Castro, Toprak Friedrich, Kadlec Bender, Rolfes Sam, Ballack, Schurrle Derdiyok |
Despite throwing away a two-goal lead against struggling Freiburg last weekend, Markus Babbel should stick with the same lineup for Leverkusen's visit. And despite being substituted before the hour mark, Pierre Michel Lasogga should be fit to spearhead the Berliner attack.
Gonzalo Castro's switch to right-back prompted the Bundesliga side's comeback against Chelsea, so he may well be preferred to Daniel Schwaab in Leverkusen's backline. Meanwhile, having scored the equaliser on Wednesday, Eren Derdiyok could regain his place in the starting lineup at Stefan Kiessling's expense.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Hertha Berlin striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga began his career at the BayArena before moving to the German capital.
- The club's highest Bundesliga finish in the last 20 years was third place in 1998-1999, when they finished a solitary point behind Leverkusen.
- While playing for Bayern Munich, Hertha coach Markus Babbel (pictured) won the Bundesliga on three occasions, with Leverkusen finishing as runners up each time.
- Bayer Leverkusen beat Hertha Berlin 1-0 in the 1993 DFB-Pokal final.
- The corresponding fixture two seasons ago ended in a 2-2 draw, and Hertha were to end that season with relegation.
- The BayArena club succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Werder Bremen in the 2008-09 DFB Pokal final in this stadium.
Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen will be on a high after their fantastic win over Chelsea in midweek, and should avoid a result influenced by a 'continental hangover' against a decidedly weaker Hertha Berlin side. Hertha have conceded six goals in their last three games and I'd expect Leverkusen to sneak a victory in the Olympicstadion.
Editor's Prediction
Hertha BSC 0-1 Leverkusen 
