Bayer Leverkusen vs Nuremberg 28 October 2026 Prediction

A demanding schedule prevented Bayer Leverkusen from extending its winning streak across all competitions. Last Sunday, the club suffered a 3-0 Bundesliga defeat to Hoffenheim. Bayer will look to respond in the cup against 2. Bundesliga side Nuremberg, which also lost its most recent league match.

Bayer Leverkusen's Winning Streak Ends as Rotation Looms

Bayer Leverkusen delivered a poor performance ahead of the cup tie, losing 3-0 to Hoffenheim. The result ended the club's six-game winning streak in all competitions and was only its second defeat under Carles Martínez. After the match, the manager explained that the team had returned late from Greece following its 2-0 Europa League win over OFI. He also described the current week as particularly difficult. With games every three days, Martínez needs to manage his players' workloads, so some rotation is expected against Nuremberg.

Janis Blaswich could start in goal, with Vázquez and Hermann in defense, Robert Andrich in midfield, and Jonas Hofmann, Moreira, and Victor Boniface in attack. Patrik Schick is especially in need of rest. Fatigue affected his performance against Hoffenheim, which was only his third scoreless appearance of the season. Loïc Badé and Diaby also picked up injuries in the league match. Badé is being evaluated for a possible concussion, while Diaby has a hamstring issue.

Strong Attack but Key Absences

Nuremberg's form has declined since the international break. The team is winless in three league matches and suffered its first defeat of the season in all competitions last time out. That loss came against promotion rival Kaiserslautern, 1-0. Poor finishing proved costly, as Miroslav Klose's side led 31-12 in shots, 8-7 in shots on target, and 2.10-0.82 in expected goals.

It was also the first time Nuremberg failed to score this season, despite the team's generally effective attacking play. The club has scored 21 goals in nine 2. Bundesliga rounds, second only to Wolfsburg's 23. Forwards Skobel and Zoma have combined for 12 league goals, but Zoma will miss this game through injury. Starting defender Otto is also unavailable after being injured against Kaiserslautern.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Nuremberg Predicted Lineup

Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Blaswich; Vázquez, Quansah, Hermann, Gutiérrez; Andrich, Fernández; Tella, Hofmann, Moreira; Boniface

Unavailable: Diaby, Badé, Doué, Terrier, Kofane (all injured), Eichhorn (illness), Ben Seghir, Calbreth (both doubtful)

Manager: Carles Martínez

Nuremberg (4-2-3-1): Reichert; Janisch, Kalogeropoulos, Mkrtchyan, Porstner; Markhiev, Fernández; Grieb, Justvan, Lubach; Skobel

Unavailable: Becker, Faye, Mandic, Zoma (all injured), Otto (doubtful)

Manager: Miroslav Klose

Referee: Felix Zwayer

Zwayer is not an overly strict referee and rarely becomes a major factor in matches. Across his last 20 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal assignments, he has averaged 3.5 yellow cards and 21.7 fouls per game. He has also shown only two red cards and awarded four penalties during that span.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Nuremberg Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen Handicap -2.5

Main prediction: Bayer Leverkusen's advantage in quality and home-field edge make it the clear favorite, even with some lineup rotation. The club has won all four competitive home matches this season by a combined score of 10-1. Martínez will also have attacking options available off the bench. If Bayer scores in the first half, Nuremberg will have to take more risks, creating space for the hosts to extend their lead. The 2. Bundesliga side will also be missing two regular starters. The pick is Bayer Leverkusen handicap -2.5 at odds of 2.00.

Goals prediction: Bayer Leverkusen's attacking quality and Nuremberg's inconsistent defense support a high-scoring matchup. Bayer recently defeated Mainz 4-3 and Lech 4-0, while Nuremberg's game against Wolfsburg ended in a 4-4 draw. At home, Leverkusen should create enough chances to score several goals. The cup format could also produce a more open game if either team has to chase the score. Nuremberg has the second-best attack in its division and should have opportunities of its own. The pick is over 4.5 goals at odds of 2.35.