Youth League Leverkusen Brest: Match Preview
Preview
After the winter break, the UEFA Youth League is back in action this week, with Bayer Leverkusen hosting Brest in the Round of 16. Both teams will be looking to make a strong start to the knockout stages and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Leverkusen are the current Bundesliga champions at youth level, and they will be confident of success in this competition. They have a strong squad, led by German youth international Florian Wirtz. Wirtz is a highly-rated attacking midfielder who has already made his debut for the Leverkusen senior team.
Brest are the reigning French champions at youth level, and they will be no pushovers. They have a talented squad, led by French youth international Mathys Tel. Tel is a pacey and skilful forward who has been linked with a move to some of Europe's top clubs.
Team News
Leverkusen will be without injured defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, but they have no other major injury concerns. Brest will be without suspended midfielder Lucien Agoume, but they have no other major injury concerns.
Prediction
Leverkusen are the favourites to win this match, but Brest are a dangerous team and they will be looking to cause an upset. The game is likely to be close, but Leverkusen should have enough quality to edge it.
Prediction: Leverkusen 2-1 Brest