While many expected Bayer Leverkusen to advance from Group C when the initial Champions League draw as made, few gave Monaco a chance after their sold off their best players during the summer. Now with two match days left, we find both Leverkusen and Monaco in the two top spots in the group, though things remain very tight in the race for second.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. AS Monaco, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Monaco need points against Group C leader Bayer Leverksuen to keep hold of second place.
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Leverkusen are in solid shape with nine points and four point lead over Monaco but if they were to slip up on Wednesday, the entire complexion of the group could change. On the flip side, a win for the Germans means they’ll top the group.
Monaco sit just one point ahead of both Zenit and Benfica, so they are desperate for points against Bayer to keep their advantage going into the final match day. Monaco defeated Bayer 1-0 in the first meeting between the two clubs in group play thanks to a goal from Joao Moutinho.
Both teams will be missing players for the match. Leverkusen will be without Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Stefan Reinartz, while Monaco's Layvin Kurzawa and Borja López are both sidelined.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Kyriakos Papadopoulos (shoulder), Stefan Reinartz (cheekbone).
Monaco injuries and suspensions
Out: Layvin Kurzawa (thigh), Borja López (knee)
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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