Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Club friendly match.
Chelsea are just coming off a break after their triumphant run at the FIFA Club World Cup, whereas Bayer Leverkusen have already been active with several pre-season fixtures. Both teams boast attacking strengths, which makes this match an appealing option from a betting standpoint.
Chelsea
A 3:0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final underlined the squad’s current form. However, a packed fixture schedule could impact their performances in the early stages of the new season. In the 2024/25 English Premier League, Chelsea secured fifth place with 69 points, ranking seventh in goals scored (64) and third in goals conceded (43). The club has added depth over the summer, although recent friendlies have featured significant squad rotation. Chelsea have won ten of their last twelve home matches, including the last four consecutively.
Bayer Leverkusen
Last season represented a step backwards for Bayer Leverkusen, who found the net 72 times and conceded 43 — a drop of 17 goals scored and an increase of 19 conceded compared to the previous campaign. Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid as head coach, and Erik ten Hag replaced him at the German club. The summer overhaul included the departures of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka. Pre-season began with a heavy 1:5 defeat to the reserve squad of Flamengo, but Bayer Leverkusen responded with three straight wins, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. Despite the turnover, the team still poses an attacking threat.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
Both teams play with offensive intent but have shown signs of defensive frailty. Given the nature of this friendly and their current forms, backing both teams to find the net looks a sensible choice.
