Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI v Bayern Munich: No recognised striker for B04?
Xabi Alonso is expected to revert to a back-four when his Bayer Leverkusen side face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tonight.
The biggest question mark for Alonso heading into the game is the fitness of Edmond Tapsoba. The Burkinabé missed Bayer's win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga Topspiel because of a thigh injury, which would see Mario Hermoso retain his place should the central-defender not pass a late fitness test.
Robert Andrich (ill) is also sidelined so expect to see Exequiel Palacios starting ahead of Aleix Garcia alongside Granit Xhaka. In attack, Alonso has fielded a recognised striker in the two games since their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich last month but like the game at the BayArena, Alonso isn't expected to start neither Victor Boniface nor Patrick Shick, with Jeremie Frimpong and Amine Adli the preferred 'false' duo, although Nathan Tella could retain his place.
Matej Kovar – Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Piero Hincapie – Exequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka – Florian Wirtz, Alex Grimaldo – Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
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