Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Monaco

Bayer Leverkusen will book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night if they defeat Group C rivals Monaco in Germany.

Leverkusen currently sit four points clear of their opponents at the top of the table, though their only loss so far in this season's competition was inflicted by the French club.

The two teams took part in a hard-fought clash at the Stade Louis II back in September before Joao Moutinho's second-half strike made the difference.

Another victory for Monaco would significantly boost the away side's chances of making it through to the next round, but they know that anything other than a win could allow Zenit St Petersburg or Benfica to leapfrog them in the standings.

Leverkusen come into the match with the better overall form thanks to four wins out of six in all competitions, while the visitors have managed just one victory in their previous six outings.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Stefan Reinartz are both sidelined for the hosts, but defender Wendell is available again after suspension. Former Leverkusen striker Dimitar Berbatov misses out for Monaco, who will also be without Layvin Kurzawa and Borja Lopez.

Leverkusen:

Form in Champions League: WWLWWW Form in all competitions: WWLWDW

Possible starting lineup: Leno; Donati, Toprak, Spahic, Jedvaj; Calhanoglu, Bender; Brandt, Bellarabi, Son; Kiessling

Monaco:

Form in Champions League: LDWDDL Form in all competitions: DWDLDD

Possible starting lineup: Subasic; Fabinho, Raggi, Carvalho, Echiejile; Ferreira Carrasco, Toulalan, Kondogbia, Ocampos; Moutinho; Traore

Sports Mole says: 2-0