Bayer Leverkusen 11 vs Holstein Kiel predictions
Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to stay top of the table, at least tonight, when they host Holstein Kiel following their 1-0 win over AC Milan in midweek.
Head coach Xabi Alonso is known for his rotations, so there will likely be rotations in his team, especially when they face Kiel, who are yet to win this season.
The usual areas of the Leverkusen XI will be rotated, with Januel Berosian likely to start in defense after coming off the bench in midweek. The Frenchman can play both as a central defender and as cover for Alejandro Grimaldo. Meanwhile, Nathan Tella could return to action in place of Jeremy Frimpong, who played the full game against Milan.
Central midfield has also been a hot topic for Leverkusen, who have had a slow start this season, especially defensively. Granit Xhaka is likely to remain a mainstay in midfield, but Exequiel Palacios will return to the starting XI after being forced to make a cameo while recovering from a knee injury he sustained while playing for Argentina in the summer. There is a possibility. However, if he is not fit enough, Aleix García will again partner Xhaka in midfield.
Up front, Patrik Schick and Jonas Hofmann are expected to play alongside Florian Wirths.
The game against Kiel will also be the 100th game for Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who took over from Gerardo Seone about two years ago.
Bayer Leverkusen 11th place prediction (via kicker):
Matej Kovar – Edmond Tapsova, Jonathan Tarr, Januel Berossian – Nathan Tella, Granit Xhaka, Equéquiel Palacios, Alejandro Grimaldo – Jonas Hofmann, Florian Wirtz – Patrik Schick
GGFN | Jack Meenan
