Newcastle vs Bayer LeverkusenPrediction, probable lineups, recent form & season stats

A final test before the season, and one of the most interesting on the programme. Newcastle have played thirteen home games, all over 1.5, scoring two a match with 86% of those games passing two goals: their last six brought 3-0 against Darlington, 3-1 against West Ham, 3-1 against Brighton and 1-1 with Barcelona. Bayer Leverkusen score 2.3 a trip on the road, with 79% of their away games over 1.5 and wins including 7-0 at Baumberg and 1-0 against Borussia Dortmund. Two attacks that hold nothing back The figure linking them is output: 2.0 goals a game for the English side at home, 2.3 for the Germans away. The defences are less reliable, with Newcastle keeping a clean sheet in only 18% of their home games and Leverkusen in 32% of their trips. The only previous meeting finished 2-2. Why the upper limit matters The call asks for at least two goals and no more than six. The first condition is close to routine given the averages, the second deserves a look: Leverkusen have already won 7-0 this summer and Newcastle have passed two goals in nine home games out of ten. The verdict: between two and six goals in total. All thirteen Newcastle home games cleared 1.5 and the two combined produce over four goals a game. In a friendly the half-time changes cut both the risk of a rout and the confidence. I read it around 84%. My take: two sides who attack heavily, the count should climb quickly.