Bayer Leverkusen have won three of their last four away matches, scoring 10 goals in total
Arminia Bielefeld are a third-tier side who drew 2-2 at home to second-bottom Hannover on Saturday
Leverkusen are the DFB-Pokal holders and have won their last five away ties in the competition
Leverkusen looking to seal Berlin return
Holders Bayer Leverkusen should book their return ticket to Berlin when they travel to 3.Liga Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday. Xabi Alonso’s side will be aware of Bielefeld’s giant-killing spree this season and will be desperate to avoid becoming their latest victims.
Bielefeld boss Mitch Kniat was annoyed that Leverkusen were awarded an extra day’s rest in preparation for this clash when they Bundesliga game was brought forward to Friday night. Die Werkself secured a 3-1 home win over Bochum to keep some pressure on Bayern Munich at the top while Kniat’s men were subsequently held to a 2-2 home draw in the third tier by struggling Hannover.
The Blues may have lost a little focus because of this amazing opportunity that awaits them, but Leverkusen do not look to be in the mood to mess around. Alonso’s side have won five consecutive DFB-Pokal away ties and dealt with upstart opponents like this on their way to winning in Berlin last May.
Alonso’s side won’t mind open tie
Although Bielefeld beat top-flight Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen to give the competition another fairytale script, the visitors are a much better team in both league and cup competitions than the aforementioned trio.
Back Leverkusen to come through this with flying colours and at least three goals in the game. Bielefeld like to play in open spaces and catch teams off guard, but Leverkusen are adept at scoring goals in transition too.
Predictions:Bayer Leverkusen to Win and Over 2.5 Match Goals Bayer Leverkusen 3-1
