| Odds via Tonybet | |
| Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen | Friday, August 8, 2025, 2 PM EDT |
| Chelsea odds | +112 |
| Bayer Leverkusen odds | +154 |
| Draw | +330 |
| Both teams to score | Yes -304, No +200 |
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview and Team News
Chelsea Team News
With the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season right around the corner, Chelsea are returning to action after winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
One would argue that they don’t have a lot of time to prepare for the new campaign. However, based on what they achieved in the Club World Cup, it’s fair to say that the Blues already have a strong foundation.
The upcoming match is one of two instances where manager Enzo Maresca will be able to test new things before the start of the Premier League.
Captain RJ. 😎 pic.twitter.com/9bDwb0Z2yU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2025
Chelsea have bolstered their defensive depth with the arrival of Jorrel Hato. Expect a heavy rotation from the London club in an attempt to keep most of their players fit for the new season.
Maresca has a few injury concerns heading into this friendly, with Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, David Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile all in doubt. Nicolas Jackson, suspended for the start of the 2025-26 Premier League, should get playing time. There are likely to be heavy changes during the second half and several tactical adjustments throughout the game.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen (4-3-3): Sánchez; James, Colwill, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández, Palmer; Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Gittens.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
It’s hard to put a positive spin on the first few weeks of Erik ten Hag as Bayer Leverkusen’s manager. The team have seen several star-calibre players leave the club during the current transfer window, leaving the Dutchman with the tough task of replacing big names such as Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka.
The embarrassing loss against Flamengo’s U20 side is something that still resonates with the coaching staff, to the point that ten Hag is seriously considering a return to a 3-4-3 approach, similar to Xabi Alonso’s system, instead of the 4-2-3-1 he used at both Ajax and Manchester United.
📍 BayArena 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/hmvWVFCYsf
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 4, 2025
Still, they’ve bounced back with wins over Bochum and Fortuna Sittard in their most recent two friendly matches.
Leverkusen won’t be at full strength for this clash, though that should open the door for ten Hag to continue experimenting with the squad.
Aleix García and Jeanuel Belocian are dealing with a strain and a knee injury, respectively, and shouldn’t be risked. Meanwhile, Martin Terrier (Achilles) has already been ruled out for the start of the season. Star forward Patrik Schick is expected to lead the attack in this matchup.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs Chelsea (3-4-3): Flekken; Hincapié, Tapsoba, Quansah; Arthur, Palacios, Tillman, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Schick, Tella.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Main Match Info
- Date and Kickoff Time: Friday, August 8, 2025, 2 PM EDT
- Stadium: Stamford Bridge
- Location: London, England
- Last match: Bayer Leverkusen – Chelsea 2:1 (November 23, 2011, UEFA Champions League)
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Odds
- Pick: Chelsea to win
- Odds: +112 (Tonybet)
- Correct score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Undoubtedly, Chelsea are the better side and shouldn’t have significant issues securing a victory. Maresca’s men have won six of their seven 2025 FIFA Club World Cup games, finding a way to get past different teams and playing styles. That form should carry over into this fixture, especially since they’re going to face a struggling Leverkusen squad at home just before the start of the new season.
The Bundesliga club are likely to try different things, potentially fielding an entirely different lineup in the second half or even switching between tactical systems. In that case, however, Chelsea would have an edge due to their depth across the board.
As it tends to happen with friendly matches, there should be plenty of goalscoring opportunities and action on both ends. However, Maresca’s men should head into this contest with greater confidence, even if this is their first pre-season friendly of the summer.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tip
- Pick: Both teams to score
- Odds: -304 (Tonybet)
Going for a straight-up winner in friendly matches is more complicated than it sounds, mainly because teams tend to make too many changes in the second half, both from a tactical and personnel perspective.
However, that same approach should open the door for other potential scenarios, such as the possibility of games having tons of goals and scoring opportunities.
Moi. 😊 pic.twitter.com/mPEu7UNxjb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2025
With that in mind, we can easily envision this meeting producing at least three goals, with both sides finding the back of the net. Leverkusen have scored two goals in each of their previous two outings, while Chelsea have hit the over two goals mark in all of their wins in the Club World Cup.
From a purely statistical perspective, this scenario bodes well, too. Five of the Blues’ seven fixtures saw at least three goals and/or both squads finding the back of the net. While only one of Leverkusen’s three friendlies has hit that mark, it’s happened in three of Erik ten Hag’s four previous head-to-head encounters with Chelsea during his time managing Manchester United.
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen: Where to Watch (Canada)
- DAZN Canada
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