Carl Zeiss Jena vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction 28/08/2024 | DFB Pokal

• Date: 28/08/2024
• Competition: DFB Pokal
• KO: 18:00 CEST
• Venue: Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld (Jena)

Bayern Leverkusen begin their defence of the DFB Pokal title when they travel to Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld to take on Regionalliga hosts Carl Zeiss Jena. 

Carl Zeiss Jena vs Bayer Leverkusen  Betting Tips: Leverkusen / Over 3.5

Leverkusen extended their remarkable unbeaten domestic run with an entertaining 3:2 win at Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend. After beginning the new season with a penalty shootout victory against Stuttgart (despite being reduced to ten-men) a fortnight ago, the Bundesliga champions kicked off their campaign with yet another away victory.

On the road, Leverkusen have won 11 and drawn just one of 12 domestic fixtures in 2024. Bayer also won seven of their last nine away DFB Pokal matches, scoring at least three goals in six of those victories. 

Of course, Xabi Alonso´s men have lost only one of over 50 competitive matches played over the course of the past year. So strong on the road, and indeed, at any venue, it's hard to see Bayer failing to take advantage of an albeit, on form home side.

Carl Zeiss Jena, currently operating in Germany´s fourth tier, have enjoyed a strong start to their season, picking up four successive domestic victories with 14 goals scored in the process. 

Henning Burger´s minnows have a miserable recent record in this competition, with defeat suffered in ten of 11 ties played since 2009. Jena´s only victory was a 3:2 win against Hamburg in 2015.

While the hosts are sure to put up a brave fight, Bayer´s far greater levels of quality and experience should see the visitors record a dominant victory on Tuesday. 

I´m backing Leverkusen to win with a minimum of four goals expected at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld.