Bayern Munich lineup prediction for crucial UCL home clash against Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

The rivalry between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will move into the Champions League on Wednesday. Xabi Alonso’s team will travel to Allianz Arena for the first leg of the round of 16 clash. The Spaniard is unbeaten against Bayern in the last 18 months.

Bayern have gained an upper hand over Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga by racing to a lead of eight points at the top of the points table. The defending Bundesliga champions will look to knock Bayern out of cup competition for the second time this season. Alonso’s men knocked Die Roten out of DFB Pokal earlier this season.

Rekordmiester have drawn both Bundesliga games against Bayer Leverkusen this campaign. They dominated the game at Allianz Arena but couldn’t finish chances. The roles were reversed at Bay Arena a few weeks ago.

It is a mouth-watering all-German affair on Wednesday. Ahead of the first leg at Allianz Arena, let us look at the potential starting XI Vincent Kompany will pick to finally get a win against Alonso’s men.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Manuel Neuer will start in the goal against Bayer Leverkusen. The 38-year-old goalkeeper will have to be at his best from a shot-stopping point of view to get a clean sheet on Wednesday.

Dayot Upamecano will return to the starting XI on Wednesday after missing the clash against VfB Stuttgart last weekend. The French defender will play with Kim Min-jae in the heart of defense.

Alphonso Davies will slot in the left-back position. Konrad Laimer has been Bayern’s most consistent player in the right-back position, so it will be a big surprise if he doesn’t start against Bayer Leverkusen.

Midfield combination

The Bavarian faithful will be relieved to see Joshua Kimmich back in training on Tuesday. The German midfielder is expected to start in the number six role. Bayern did well to win against Stuttgart in Kimmich’s absence, but they will need him to dominate the proceedings against Bayer Leverkusen.

With Aleksandar Pavlovic missing Wednesday’s game due to illness, Leon Goretzka should start alongside Kimmich in the center of the park. Goretzka is coming off a strong performance against Stuttgart. His experience in the center of the park will be crucial for Die Roten.

Meanwhile, Jamal Musiala will slot in the number ten role. With Karl Heinz-Rummenigge calling Florian Wirtz the best German player at the moment, Musiala has a point to prove on Wednesday.

Attack

Based on the current form, the attack for Bayern picks itself. Harry Kane will lead the line. The English striker is yet to deliver a big performance in the Champions League since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur. Wednesday will be a good time to change that record.

Michael Olise will start on the right flank, while Leroy Sane will be on the left side of the attack against Bayer Leverkusen.