Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI v St. Pauli: An attacking selection dilemma for Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso will be without Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface when they host St. Pauli at the BayArena in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.
Schick has scored six goals in his last five games across all competitions but after being introduced in Die Werkself’s 1-0 win against Bayern Munich in the German Cup, lasted just 15 minutes after suffering an injury. It’s also unlikely that Boniface will play again in 2024, leaving Alonso short in attack which could result in a false nine setup.
Wirtz started as the false nine against Bayern Munich, but it could be that Martin Terrier returns to the starting XI against St. Pauli or that Nathan Tella, who scored the only goal against Bayern, is given a starting berth. Alonso is also without Amine Adli and Jonas Hofmann.
In defence and midfield, don’t expect too much to change, although Matěj Kovář could replace Lukas Hradecky in goal, per kicker, meaning Jonathan Tah will receive the captains armband.
Bayer Leverkusen likely line-up v St. Pauli
Matěj Kovář – Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapié – Jeremie Frimpong, Exequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo – Aleix Garcia, Florian Wirtz – Martin Terrier.
