UEL: West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI, h2h, Kudus vs Boniface

Mohammed Kudus vs Victor Boniface takes centre stage as West Ham host Bayer Leverkusen in the UEL. (Photo Credit: Pan-African/X)

FOOTBALL UEL: West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI, h2h, Kudus vs Boniface

UEL: West Ham vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI, h2h, Kudus vs Boniface

Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:23 - 18.04.2024

Ahead of the crucial UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg between West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen, we take a closer look at the predicted starting XI and the head-to-head record between the two teams.

As the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg approaches, West Ham United face the daunting task of overturning a 2-0 deficit against Bayer Leverkusen at the London Stadium on Thursday.

The German side holds the advantage after their Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, came off the bench to score one of the goals in the first leg at the BayArena. 

Kudus vs Boniface heralds West Ham, Leverkusen tie

Boniface's celebration, which mimicked Kudus Mohammed's famous goal celebration, has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash.

Leverkusen have a clear edge in the head-to-head record, having won both of their previous meetings with the Hammers, scoring a total of six goals in the process. 

Victor Boniface hits the Kudus celebration in the first leg.
Victor Boniface hits the Kudus celebration in the first leg. (Photo Credit: Imago)
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The German club will be looking to capitalise on their strong position and maintain their impressive 43-game unbeaten run.

For West Ham, the absence of midfield star Lucas Paqueta is a significant blow, but manager David Moyes may have Jarrod Bowen available after the winger's recovery from a back issue. 

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus celebrates a goal for West Ham.
Ghana's Mohammed Kudus celebrates a goal for West Ham. (Photo Credit: Kudus/X0

The Hammers will be hoping to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the semifinals as the look to become the first team to stop Xabi and his Werkself across competitions..

Predicted Lineups:

West Ham United: Fabianski; Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Coufal, Alvarez, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Johnson, Kudus, Antonio

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Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar; Kossounou, Tah, Stanisic; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Boniface, Adli

As the two teams prepare to lock horns in the crucial second leg, the stage is set for another intriguing battle, with the winner securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League semifinals. 

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

West Ham will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage and mount a comeback, while Bayer Leverkusen aim to maintain their lead and progress to the next round.

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West Ham United Bayer Leverkusen Victor Okoh Boniface Mohammed Kudus