Bayer Leverkusen fought back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw in the Europa League Round of 16 first-leg against Qarabag on March 7. Hosting the Azerbaijani at the BayArena, Xabi Alonso could make up to five changes tonight.
Matěj Kovář will retain his place in goal at Bayer Leverkusen’s cup goalkeeper since making his switch from Manchester United. In defence, Josip Stanišić could replace Odilon Kossounou with Jeremie Frimpong returning from suspension and replacing Nathan Tella.
Exequiel Palacios played in the first-leg but the Argentine is working his way back from a recent injury, which should see Granit Xhaka return alongside Robert Andrich in the double pivot. In attack, Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek should also make way for Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick- the latter of which scored a brace in the reverse fixture to secure a 2-2 draw.
Should Wirtz pick up a yellow card here, he will be suspended for Bayer Leverkusen’s quarter-final tie, while this game comes too soon for Florian Wirtz and Arthur.
Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Qarabag
Matěj Kovář – Josip Stanišić, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Alex Grimaldo – Robert Andrich, Granit Xhaka – Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli – Patrik Schick.
