Bayer Leverkusen vs. RB Salzburg preview: Team news and predicted lineups

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

After winning the German double and reaching the Europa League final last season, Bayer Leverkusen have been more inconsistent this term and sit fourth in the German Bundesliga.

Xabi Alonso’s side went into Saturday’s home game against Heidenheim on a three-match winless streak and found themselves 0-2 down after 21 minutes, but then staged a stunning comeback to claim an emphatic 5-2 victory.

Things were going according to plan in the Champions League until their painful 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Matchday 4. But with seven points from four games, Xabi Alonso’s men are still in an acceptable position going into Tuesday’s home game against a struggling RB Salzburg side.

Salzburg have taken three points from their first four Champions League games of the season, with a goal difference of 3-10. Domestically, things have gone completely wrong for the Austrian club, who sit sixth in the table after back-to-back defeats.

As a result, Leverkusen will go into the game as heavy favorites, despite being without Adli (broken leg), Belocian (ankle), Boniface (thigh), Hofmann (thigh), Mukiele (thigh), Terrier (broken arm). 

The long injury list leaves Leverkusen with just 13 fit outfield players and has forced Alonso to call up three under-19 players. 

Matej Kovar could make a rare start in goal in place of Lukas Hradecky, while Nathan Tella could replace Jeremie Frimpong at right-back. The Dutchman should be available despite picking up a knock against Heidenheim, but could be rested.

Blaswich (calf), Kawamura (knee), Kjærgaard (ankle), Morgalla (thigh) and Okoh (thigh) are out for Salzburg.

Click here to see our predicted Leverkusen vs. RB Salzburg lineups.