Bayer Leverkusen vs. Milan preview: Team news and predicted lineups

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

After comfortably beating Feyenoord 4-0 away from home in their Champions League opener, Bayer Leverkusen will be looking for another good result in Europe when they host AC Milan on Tuesday night.

In a departure from their usual style, Bayer Leverkusen found themselves on the defensive for much of Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Bayern Munich, which saw them escape with a 1-1 draw.

Tuesday’s Champions League clash with AC Milan is likely to be a different story, with Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah saying patience will be needed to unlock the Italian defence.

“Italian sides are a difficult opponent for many teams. They have a particular style of play and defend very well. We will need to be very patient,” said Tah at Monday’s pre-match press conference.

Sitting alongside Tah, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said he expects “high game intelligence”.

“They are prepared to defend deep but they can also dominate possession. We have to be prepared for any situation,” said Alonso.

Milan lost 1-3 to Liverpool in their first Champions League game of the season, but have since responded well with wins over Inter (2-1) and Lecce (3-0) in Serie A.

Former Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic has been a standout performer for the Rossoneri so far this season, finding the net in five consecutive games.

On the personnel front, Leverkusen have all their players available for the game. AC Milan will be without Bennacer (calf), Sportiello (hand), Florenzi (knee) and Thiaw (ankle), while Morata (muscle) is a doubt.

Click here to see our predicted Leverkusen vs. Milan lineups.