Xabi Alonso has named his Bayer Leverkusen starting eleven as the Bundesliga side host West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final.
The Spaniard stated that Matej Kovar would remain Bayer’s cup goalkeeper, and so the Czech starts in goal tonight. Josip Stanisic and Edmond Tapsoba also return in a back three alongside Jonathan Tah after the duo were unused substitutes against Union Berlin at the weekend.
Exequiel Palacios also returns to the starting eleven after recovering from injury. The Argentine starts in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka with Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo providing width.
In attack, Amine Adli and Patrik Schick both return, with Florian Wirtz retaining his place. Alonso did confirm that Victor Boniface would be fit enough to start, but he’s opted for Schick ahead of the Nigerian, with the former recently returning from an adductor injury.
Bayer Leverkusen XI vs West Ham
Matej Kovar – Josip Stanisic, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba – Jeremie Frimpong, Exequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo – Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli – Patrik Schick.
