Bayer Leverkusen vs. SC Paderborn DFB-Pokal Quarter-finals Preview – Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Bayer Leverkusen aims to secure a place in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals when they face SC Paderborn at the BayArena for a round-of-16 encounter.

The Bundesliga leaders advanced past SV Sandhausen in the previous round, while their second-division opponents, SC Paderborn, caused an upset by defeating Freiburg to reach this stage.

Match Preview:

Bayer Leverkusen enters the DFB-Pokal round of 16 in exceptional form under manager Xabi Alonso, having maintained an unbeaten streak in all competitions this season, leading the Bundesliga and excelling in the Europa League.

Their cup campaign began impressively with an 8-0 win against Teutonia Ottensen, followed by a 5-2 victory over SV Sandhausen in the last round.

Leverkusen’s recent form has been consistent, with notable wins against Werder Bremen and Hacken in the Europa League and a draw against Borussia Dortmund.

On the other hand, SC Paderborn, led by Lukas Kwasniok, began their cup journey with a 7-0 thrashing of Energie Cottbus and surprised Bundesliga side Freiburg with a 3-1 victory in the second round.

Despite their struggles in the 2. Bundesliga, Paderborn registered a crucial win against Hannover 96 in their last league fixture and will aim to continue their momentum in the cup competition.

Bayer Leverkusen DFB-Pokal form: W W

Bayer Leverkusen form (all competitions): W W W W W D

SC Paderborn DFB-Pokal form: W W

SC Paderborn form (all competitions): L W W L L W

Team News:

Bayer Leverkusen may rest key players like Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz, providing opportunities for Patrik Schick, Amine Adli, and other squad members. Arthur remains sidelined due to injury.

SC Paderborn is likely to field a similar lineup to their recent victory against Hannover 96, relying on Filip Bilbija and Florent Muslija in the attack.

Possible Starting Lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen: (3-4-3)

Hradecky;

Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba;

Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo;

Hlozek, Schick, Adli

SC Paderborn: (3-4-3)

Boevink;

Curda, Rohr, Hoffmeier;

Obermair, Klefisch, Hansen, Muslija;

Bilbija, Flotho, Ansah

Prediction:

Despite Paderborn’s previous cup upset, Leverkusen’s consistent form and quality should prevail. Even with potential rotations, Bayer Leverkusen is likely to dominate at home, securing a comfortable victory.

• Our prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 SC Paderborn