Chelsea begin their pre-season campaign on Friday afternoon with a high-profile friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, fresh from their 3-0 Club World Cup triumph over PSG. Erik ten Hag’s side arrive with more match rhythm and attacking sharpness after a longer run of warm-up fixtures. With rotation expected on both sides, this could be an open contest. Here’s my Chelsea vs Leverkusen prediction and betting analysis for this matchup.
Chelsea vs Leverkusen Tips
- Chelsea vs Leverkusen: Over 3.5 Goals ( at N/A)
- Chelsea vs Leverkusen: Both Teams To Score ( at N/A)
Chelsea vs Leverkusen Odds
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chelsea |
|
| Draw |
|
| Leverkusen |
|
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Chelsea vs Leverkusen Predictions
Rotation and tempo could open the game up for Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is likely to give minutes to a wide range of players, balancing the need for sharpness with squad assessment. With AC Milan to face just two days later, squad rotation should be significant, leading to changes in defensive structure and possible lapses in positional discipline. Chelsea’s attacking depth — particularly their ability to build through midfield and create overloads in wide areas — still makes them dangerous, especially against a back line that may also be adjusting.
The home crowd and technical quality should ensure Chelsea see plenty of the ball, but gaps in defensive coordination this early in pre-season leave room for counter-attacks. This combination of strong forward play and a less rigid defensive shape makes Over 3.5 goals at 1.85 a realistic and value-driven choice.
Tip: Over 3.5 Goals ( at N/A)
Leverkusen’s match fitness could tilt attacking exchanges
Ten Hag’s side come into this fixture after a busy pre-season schedule, with wins over Bochum, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Pisa following an early heavy defeat to Flamengo’s reserves. That extended run has sharpened their pressing and improved the fluency of their transitions, with Leverkusen scoring at least twice in each of their last three games. Their vertical pace in attack, combined with Chelsea’s potential lack of speed in defensive recovery, could cause problems.
Even if possession favours Chelsea, Leverkusen’s front line is well set to exploit open spaces, particularly on breaks from midfield. Given both teams’ attacking capacity and defensive uncertainties, backing BTTS at 1.62 fits the tactical picture.
Tip: Both Teams To Score ( at N/A)
