Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Holsteinn Kiel

Bayer Leverkusen will look to go top of the table, at least for the night, as they host Holstein Kiel after their 1-0 win against AC Milan in midweek.

Head coach Xabi Alonso is known for his rotation, so there will be rotation in the squad, especially as they face a Kiel side who is still yet to win a game this season.

The usual areas of the Leverkusen 11 will be rotated with defence potentially seeing a start for Jeanuël Belocian as he came off the bench in midweek. The Frenchman can play as either a central defender or as cover for Alejandro Grimaldo. While Nathan Tella could return to the lineup and replace Jeremie Frimpong who played the full 90 against Milan.

Central midfield has also been one of the talking points for Leverkusen this season, especially after their slow defensive start. Granit Xhaka is likely to continue as the main man in midfield but it could see the return to the starting 11 for Exequiel Palacios who has had to make cameos as he recovers from a knee injury suffered with Argentina in the summer. However, if he is not fit enough, Aleix Garcia will partner Xhaka in midfield once again.

Up front, Patrik Schick and Jonas Hofmann are expected to play alongside Florian Wirtz.

The game against Kiel also sees head coach Xabi Alonso manage his 100th game for Leverkusen after taking over from Gerardo Seaone nearly two years ago.

Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI (via kicker):

Matej Kovar – Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Jeanuël Belocian – Nathan Tella, Granit Xhaka, Exequiel Palacios, Alejandro Grimaldo – Jonas Hofmann, Florian Wirtz – Patrik Schick

GGFN | Jack Meenan