After a promising start to their domestic campaign, Bayer Leverkusen now set their sights on the prestigious UEFA Champions League, where they face Dutch champions Feyenoord. This matchup marks Leverkusen's return to Europe's elite competition, and manager Xabi Alonso will look to build on his team's current form. Here's a look at the predicted starting XI for Bayer Leverkusen as they prepare to face a tough Feyenoord side, as well as a comparison with their performances in earlier matches this season.
Predicted Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
The Finnish international remains a solid presence between the sticks. Hradecky has been crucial in keeping clean sheets in recent Bundesliga matches and is expected to continue as Leverkusen’s first-choice keeper.
Right-back: Jeremie Frimpong
The young Dutch full-back has been exceptional in the Bundesliga, contributing both defensively and offensively. His pace and overlapping runs have been key, making him an automatic pick.
Centre-back: Edmond Tapsoba
Tapsoba’s composure and physicality at the heart of Leverkusen’s defense have been vital. His performances in the Bundesliga have drawn praise, and he’ll be tasked with dealing with Feyenoord’s attacking threats.
Centre-back: Jonathan Tah
The German international has formed a strong partnership with Tapsoba. Tah’s leadership at the back has helped stabilize Leverkusen’s defense, and he’ll play a critical role in stopping Feyenoord’s aggressive front line.
Left-back: Alejandro Grimaldo
New signing Grimaldo has settled in quickly and has already made a name for himself with his attacking prowess. His ability to deliver precise crosses and contribute to build-up play will be crucial in breaking Feyenoord’s defensive lines.
Midfield pivot: Exequiel Palacios
The Argentine midfielder has been a consistent performer in Leverkusen’s midfield, offering tenacity and vision. His role in connecting defense to attack will be pivotal, especially in a high-tempo european fixture like this.
Midfield pivot: Granit Xhaka
Xhaka’s experience has proven to be invaluable for Leverkusen this season. The swiss international’s leadership and passing range have solidified Leverkusen’s midfield, and his role as a ball-winner will be key against Feyenoord’s dynamic midfield.
Right-wing: Florian Wirtz
Leverkusen’s young playmaker has continued his rise to stardom, consistently being involved in goals and assists. His creativity and flair will be crucial in unlocking Feyenoord’s defense, and he is expected to be a key figure in the match.
Attacking midfield: Jonas Hofmann
Hofmann’s versatility and ability to create chances have made him a vital cog in Alonso’s system. He will likely start as an attacking midfielder, tasked with linking up with the forwards and creating opportunities from central areas.
Left-wing: Moussa Diaby
Diaby’s blistering pace and direct style of play make him a constant threat. He has been one of Leverkusen’s standout players this season, and his ability to stretch Feyenoord’s defense will be crucial to Leverkusen’s game plan.
Striker: Victor Boniface
Boniface has been in great form in the Bundesliga, proving to be a reliable goal scorer. His physicality and positioning will be key in dealing with Feyenoord’s defense, and he will be looking to add to his goal tally in this high-stakes encounter.
Comparison with Earlier Matches
Leverkusen's predicted XI against Feyenoord closely mirrors the one used in their recent Bundesliga fixtures. However, Xabi Alonso may adjust his tactics for the intensity of the Champions League.
Consistent Core: The defensive core of Hradecky, Tapsoba, and Tah has been a mainstay, ensuring stability at the back. This trio has been instrumental in maintaining clean sheets in the Bundesliga, and Alonso will rely on their form to keep Feyenoord at bay. However, the addition of Grimaldo at left-back is a notable change from last season, bringing more attacking flair from wide areas.
Midfield Evolution: The Palacios-Xhaka partnership in midfield has grown in stature as the season has progressed. Xhaka’s arrival added much-needed experience and steel to the midfield, which was sometimes lacking in last year’s european outings. Palacios, on the other hand, has added balance to their transitions, contributing both defensively and offensively. In earlier fixtures, Leverkusen relied more on a counter-attacking style, but with this midfield pairing, they have shown more control in possession.
Attacking Depth: Florian Wirtz and Moussa Diaby have continued to spearhead Leverkusen’s offensive thrusts. In earlier matches, Wirtz’s creative spark was more peripheral, but recent games have seen him play more centrally, making him a focal point for Alonso’s attacking setup. Diaby's role remains unchanged — he continues to exploit space behind defenses and torment full-backs with his pace.
Boniface's Impact: Leverkusen’s new attacking addition, Victor Boniface, has injected fresh energy into the team’s forward line. Earlier matches saw Leverkusen experiment with different strikers, but Boniface's recent form has solidified his spot in the starting XI. His physical presence gives Leverkusen a different dimension, compared to last year when they lacked a traditional target man.
Key Differences from Earlier Matches
In comparison to their earlier Bundesliga outings, where Leverkusen faced teams like RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach, this Champions League tie against Feyenoord presents a different kind of challenge. The intensity and stakes are higher, and Alonso is likely to emphasize defensive solidity more than in domestic fixtures. Against Feyenoord’s high-pressing and fast-paced play, Leverkusen’s midfield and defensive units will need to remain disciplined, which might see Xhaka and Palacios playing deeper than in their Bundesliga roles.
Leverkusen’s current form and squad depth put them in a good position to compete at the highest level. Their ability to adapt to european competition, while maintaining the attacking flair that has been their hallmark this season, will be key as they look to make an impact in the Champions League.
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