Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Here is our preview of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, including our predicted lineups.

Bayer Leverkusen have a mountain to climb at the BayArena on Tuesday after losing 3-0 at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich last week.

And things got even worse for Die Werkself on Saturday when Granit Xhaka, Edmond Tapsoba and Florian Wirtz were forced off with injuries in a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Werder Bremen at home.

Bayern also suffered a shock loss at the weekend, as a second-string side squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 to VfL Bochum in a match that saw Joao Palhinha sent off in the first half.

But the fact that Leverkusen also lost must have made the defeat much easier to swallow for Bayern, who remain eight points clear of the champions at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Bayer Leverkusen will be without the long-term injured Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier, as well as Nordi Mukiele, who is suspended after being sent off in the first leg.

According to reports, both Granit Xhaka and Edmond Tapsoba are expected to be available for Tuesday’s game, but Florian Wirtz is almost certain to miss out.

Jonas Urbig will be in goal again for Bayern, with Manuel Neuer still sidelined with a calf injury. Aleksandar Pavlovic is also expected to miss the game with an infection.

Click here to see our predicted Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich lineups.