OFI
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Predictions, Picks & Odds – 22/10/2026
OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen – Best bets of the match
OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Preview
OFI Crete welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Pankritio Stadio in what marks a historic occasion for the Cretan side, who have fought their way back into the Europa League for the first time this century. Three consecutive wins have given them momentum, yet a sobering 3-0 defeat to AEK Athens on October 10 exposed defensive frailties. Aitor Cantalapiedra's red card in that fixture could leave them short, and squad rotation is expected after their recent European outing against Rennes.
Bayer Leverkusen arrive in Crete in formidable shape, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their thrilling 4-3 victory over Mainz on October 10 underlined both their attacking potency and a slight vulnerability at the back. Sitting fourth in the Bundesliga and eighth in the Europa League standings, Xabi Alonso's side are pushing hard for a top-eight finish that would grant them a bye to the Round of 16.
Leverkusen's away win at 1.22 represents the standout selection here. Xabi Alonso's side have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, scoring at a rate of 2.8 goals per match. OFI's three consecutive domestic wins offer encouragement, yet their 3-0 collapse against AEK Athens exposed defensive frailties that Leverkusen will look to exploit.
Squad rotation could prove a decisive factor at the Pankritio Stadio. OFI played Rennes just a week prior, and with Aitor Cantalapiedra suspended following his red card against AEK, the hosts lose a creative outlet. Leverkusen also face a condensed schedule after their Lech Poznan fixture, but their deeper squad provides far greater capacity to absorb changes without sacrificing quality.
The quality gap between these two sides is considerable. Leverkusen's 88% passing accuracy in the Europa League underlines their technical superiority, and with a top-eight finish in the league phase firmly in their sights, motivation will not be lacking. Backing the German side to collect all three points on Crete looks the most logical route.
Questo articolo è a scopo informativo e non costituisce una raccomandazione di gioco.
Trends to Know about OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Leverkusen average 2.8 goals per match
- OFI conceded three against AEK Athens
- Leverkusen boast 88% passing accuracy
Form & Statistics: OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
OFI
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
OFI
Starters
- 1 Christogeorgos
- 2 Dickmann
- 3 Kostoulas
- 4 Poungouras
- 5 Krizmanic
- 6 Bouchalakis
- 7 Androutsos
- 8 Athanasiou
- 9 Cantalapiedra
- 10 Fountas
- 11 Kodro
Bench
- Lilo
- Katsikas
- Karachalios
- Kanellopoulos
- Shelis
- Borja González
- Nuss
- Apostolakis
- Theodosoulakis
Absent
- Nikolaos Marinakis (injury)
- Anastasios Chatzigiovanis (suspended)
- Aaron Leya Iseka (injury)
- Christos Sielis (injury)
- Thiago Romano (Muscle injury)
- Pavlos Kenourgiakis (Knock injury)
- Nikos Marinakis (Inflammation of pubic bone / Unknown injury)
- Fotis Koutsoupias (Cruciate ligament injury)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Starters
- 1 Flekken
- 2 Tapsoba
- 3 Medina
- 4 Quansah
- 5 Frimpong
- 6 Andrich
- 7 Fernández
- 8 Grimaldo
- 9 Diaby
- 10 Schick
- 11 Terrier
Bench
- Blaswich
- Lomb
- Gutiérrez
- Badé
- García
- Tillman
- Moreira
- Bomba
Absent
- Christian Kofane (injury)
- Guéla Doué (injury)
- Eliesse Ben Seghir (injury)
- Jonas Hofmann (suspended)
- Kennet Eichhorn (injury)
- Victor Boniface (suspended)
- Tim Oermann (suspended)
- Montrell Culbreath (injury)
- Nathan Tella (Back injury)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculative label here, so treat the formations with appropriate caution. Should they hold, this shapes up as a 4-2-3-1 against a 3-4-3, with Jeremie Frimpong likely to cause problems down Leverkusen's right channel against an OFI side defending on home soil in Crete.
For the hosts, Cantalapiedra operating behind the striker will be central to any creative ambition OFI can muster. Leverkusen's three-man defence, shielded by Andrich and Fernández in midfield, suggests Xabi Alonso's side will look to control possession and stretch the Greek outfit through wide positions.
How to Watch OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Match?
What time is OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen?
OFI host Bayer Leverkusen at the Pankritio Stadio on 22 October 2026, with kickoff set for 17:45 BST.
Where is OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen being played?
This match takes place at the Pankritio Stadio in Heraklion, Crete.
How Can I Watch OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for Europa League broadcast coverage of OFI vs Bayer Leverkusen in your region.
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