Leverkusen aim to start with bang against BATE
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Article summary
Bayer Leverkusen have lost two on the bounce in the Bundesliga, but new BATE Borisov coach Aleksandr Yermakovich is wary that could motivate the home side on Wednesday.
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- Roger Schmidt warns Leverkusen to stick to their game and not take BATE lightly
- New BATE coach Aleksandr Yermakovich wary of Leverkusen backlash after weekend loss
- Bayer have conceded just two goals in their last 12 home matches in all competitions
- Schmidt hints Javier Hernández could make his first Leverkusen start on Wednesday
- The German side have suffered back-to-back defeats by Bayern and Darmstadt
Possible lineups
Leverkusen: Leno; Hilbert/Donati, Tah, Papadopoulos, Wendell; Çalhanoğlu, L Bender; Bellarabi, Mehmedi; Kiessling, Hernández.
Out: Toprak (thigh), Aránguiz (Achilles)
Doubtful: Hilbert (knee), Jedvaj (thigh)
BATE: Chernik; Zhavnerchik, Polyakov, Milunović, Mladenović; Aleksievich, A Volodko; Stasevich, Hleb, Gordeychuk; Signevich.
Out: Rodionov (knee)
Roger Schmidt, Leverkusen coach
On paper we are favourites and while we accept that, we will not underestimate BATE. They are in the Champions League proper for the fourth time in a row. They have experienced players and have posed opponents problems in the past. Borisov may play a defensive game, yet they will attempt quick transitions and cater to their strengths on the counterattack.
On Saturday [against Darmstadt] we failed because we did not do what we usually do. We have scored too few goals in recent games. We created lots of chances but did not capitalise on them. We need better movement and to play more direct. Chicharito [Javier Hernández] has great qualities when it comes to those attacking attributes.
Aleksandr Yermakovich, BATE coach
The Bundesliga and the Champions League are two different competitions. Leverkusen lost this weekend, but the players will now be fired up even more to get a good result tomorrow. Had they won [on Saturday], things would now be completely different.
Weekend results
Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Darmstadt (Sulu 8)
The Bundesliga outfit lost for the second time this term, succumbing to Aytaç Sulu's goal after eight minutes.
BATE 1-1 Shakhtyor (Stasevich 58; Komorovski 18)
The Belarusian champions failed to win for only the fifth time in 19 league matches this season, Igor Stasevich earning them a point just before the hour.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)*
Leverkusen: LLWWLW
BATE: DWLWWD
*This season only
Reporter's view: Matthew Howarth (@UEFAcomMattH)
BATE can take heart from Leverkusen's defeat by promoted Darmstadt at the weekend. The Belarusians also boast an impressive record against German opposition in Europe: three wins from four matches. With games against Barcelona and Roma to come, though, the hosts will see this as a must-win encounter.
Did you know?
Leverkusen have proved tough to score against at home in recent months; find out more in our extensive match background.