Everything suggests that the two teams will be fighting for the second place in the group, meaning that the outcome of this clash can give one of the two sides an early advantage over their rivals.

Bayer Leverkusen were always going to have problems this season after staying without coach Jupp Heynckes, who is already doing wonders at Bayern Munich, and key midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Following the opening defeat to Mainz, die Werkself showed some improvement to pick up 10 points from next 4 league games, but straight defeats to Chelsea, Koln and Bayern Munich acted as a real blow to the players’ confidence.

Robin Dutt’s side then beat Genk to keep their qualifying hopes alive, while beating Wolfsburg in Bundesliga, but a very poor performance in the lucky draw with Borussia M’Gladbach at the weekend is hardly a perfect introduction for the crunch tie against Valencia.

Starting midfielder Renato Augusto has joined the injury list that already consisted of Rene Andler, Tranquillo Barnetta and Michael Ortega, but the good news is that Lars Bender is fit to play.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Leno – Balitsch, Toprak, Reinartz, Kadlec – Bender, Ballack – Castro, Schurrle, Sam – Kiessling.

Valencia have started the season in very good fashion, winning their first three La Liga games, but los Che couldn’t beat Genk, without a doubt the weakest side in Group E.

Los Che then produced a very good performance to hold mighty Barcelona to 2:2 draw, but the good showing also left a mark on the team as they lost to Sevilla just three days later.

Despite the under-par performances, Unai Emery’s side managed to avoid defeat in home game against Chelsea, thus staying in contention for a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

I still see Valencia as the favourites to beat Bayer Leverkusen to the second place in the group, with Paddy Power paying 1.73 (8/11) on Valencia to qualify.

Los Che were very close to winning their second successive league game as they had a one-goal lead at Mallorca, but were denied a victory as the hosts scored deep into injury time from a dubious penalty.

Apart from Hedwiges Maduro, boss Emery has no injury worries, with Mathieu, Banega and Miguel set to return to the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Diego Alves – Miguel, Rami, Ruiz, Alba – Banega, Albelda – Hernandez, Soldado, Mathieu – Soldado.