As Milan prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in their second Champions League match, the German champions are ready to present a formidable challenge at the BayArena. Coming off a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, Xabi Alonso’s side is looking to maintain their strong form in European competition.
Alonso is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, likely fielding the same starting eleven that faced Bayern Munich. Here’s how Bayer Leverkusen is expected to line up:
In goal, Hradecky will continue as the last line of defense. The three-man backline is set to consist of Hincapié, Tah, and Tapsoba, providing a solid defensive foundation.
The midfield will likely see the experienced duo of Xhaka and Andrich controlling the center of the park. On the flanks, the dynamic Frimpong is expected to start on the right, with Grimaldo patrolling the left side.
In the attacking midfield positions, the creative talents of Wirtz and Terrier will be tasked with supporting the lone striker Boniface, who has been in impressive form this season.
For the Rossoneri, long-term absentees include Ismael Bennacer, sidelined until 2025 following calf surgery, Marco Sportiello out with a hand injury, and Alessandro Florenzi recovering from knee surgery.
On a positive note, Davide Calabria and Noah Okafor have resumed full training after missing recent matches and are expected to be available for selection. Alvaro Morata, who scored in Friday’s game despite fitness doubts, completed Monday’s training session and should be fit to play.
Manager Paulo Fonseca’s likely starting lineup features Mike Maignan in goal, with Matteo Gabbia and Theo Hernandez certain to start in defense. The right-back position is contested between Calabria and Emerson Royal, while Strahinja Pavlović and Fikayo Tomori compete for the other center-back spot.
In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana are set to pair up. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are expected to occupy the wings, with Tammy Abraham leading the attack and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in support.
However, there’s a possibility of Morata starting alongside Abraham in a 4-4-2 formation, which would see Loftus-Cheek drop to the bench.
Probable Bayer Leverkusen lineup (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Hincapié, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface.
Probable Milan lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Pavlovic, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Abraham.
