Bayer Leverkusen host VfB Stuttgart in the DFL Super Cup on Saturday night in the opener of the German football season.
Leverkusen will be without Exequiel Palacios who is out with a knee injury that he suffered when at the Copa America with Argentina, while the only other absentee will be Adam Hlozek who is on the verge of joining Hoffenheim or the move may have been confirmed by then.
There could potentially be debuts for Aleix García, who could line up next to Granit Xhaka in midfield, as well as forward Martin Terrier.
For Stuttgart, there will be a few changes to their last matchday squad against Borussia Mönchengladbach on the last day of the season. The normal first-team players who will miss out are Dan-Axel Zagadou who is still recovering from a ligament injury, Josha Vagnoman who is recovering from a foot injury and Enzo Millot who has just returned from the Olympics with France.
There could be debuts for summer signings Jeff Chabot, Frans Krätzig, Justin Diehl, Nick Woltemade and Ermedin Demirovic.
Predicted XI (via kicker):
Bayer Leverkusen:
Lukas Hradecky, Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapié, Jeremie Frimpong, Robert Andrich, Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo, Amine Adli, Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface
VfB Stuttgart:
Alexander Nübel, Pascal Stenzel, Anthony Rouault, Jeff Chabot, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller, Silas, Nick Woltemade, Chris Führich, Ermedin Demirovic
GGFN | Jack Meenan
