Qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League is out of Bayer Leverkusen's hands.

The German club will make the trip to Real Sociedad on Tuesday evening with the knowledge that not even a victory would guarantee them a place in the competition's last 16.

However, were Shakhtar Donetsk to fail in their bid to defeat group leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford, then a victory for Sami Hyypia's side would see them advance at the Ukrainian giants' expense.

They are likely to be without Sidney Sam because of a knee injury, but Stefan Kiessling is fit and should lead the attack.

Meanwhile, a knee ligament complaint will keep Queens Park Rangers midfielder Esteban Granero, who is on loan at Sociedad, out of the clash.

When these two sides met earlier in the competition, Leverkusen ran out 2-1 victors.

Recent form

Sociedad: WDWLWW

Leverkusen: WLWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Sociedad: Bravo; Gonzalez, De La Bella, Carlos Martinez, Inigo Martinez; Xabi Prieto, Bergara, Ros; Agirretxe, Vela, Griezmann

Leverkusen: Leno; Spahic, Toprak, Donati, Can; Rolfes, Bender; Hegeler, Castro, Son; Kiessling

Sports Mole says: 0-1

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