Leverkusen will travel to the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday to face Borussia Dortmund. Die Werkself has been incredibly disappointing this season, managing just 30 points from 22 games. After the 2:0 loss last week, coach Roger Schmidt will be under immense pressure heading into the game. A win is a must for the Rheinlanders if they are to get back in European football next season. Here’s the predicted lineup for Roger Schmidt’s side against Borussia Dortmund.
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno will be the man between the sticks for Leverkusen. The 24-year-old has been highly disappointing this season, conceding 32 goals in 22 games while keeping just four clean sheets. He will look to make amends against Borussia Dortmund, who are packed with offensive firepower.
Right Back
Youngster Benjamin Henrichs will feature as a right back. The 20-year-old has been a constant feature in Roger Schmidt’s lineup after making his breakthrough last season. His tactical reading of the game and discipline will be a crucial asset for Leverkusen.
Right center Back
Jonathan Tah will miss out due to a thigh injury, meaning new signing Aleksandr Dragovic will replace the young German International. Dragovic was linked with Dortmund, before arriving at Leverkusen. So far, the Austrian had a mixed season with Leverkusen.
Left center Back
Omer Toprak will lead his side current side, as he looks to keep out the attack of his future team. Yes! The Turkish international has signed for the Black and Yellows in winter and will don the Dortmund shirt from next season. He will look to keep out the likes of Aubameyang, Reus and co.
Left Back
Brazilian fullback Wendell is one of the better defenders in the league. His pace and reading of the game might be effectual for the visitors.
Right Midfield
Karim Bellarabi has been in decent form after coming back from a long-term injury. Two years ago, the German international scored the fastest goal in Bundesliga’s history against Borussia Dortmund. Bellarabi is sure to cause some trouble for Marcel Schmelzer using his pace and dribbling ability.
Center Midfield
Lars Bender will feature as the central midfielder. The brother of Sven Bender, who is ironically a player of Borussia Dortmund (currently injured), will be tasked with stopping the Dortmund flow in the middle.
Center Midfield
Charles Aranguiz will feature alongside Sven Bender, the Chilean is one of the smartest players in the league. He can use his tactical awareness to breach the Dortmund backline.
Left Midfield
Young and promising German International Julian Brandt has grown to be one of Bundesliga’s finest assets this season. He will use his excellent close control and pace to drive through the hosts’ defense.
Center Forward
Former Dortmund player Kevin Kampl might start as a center forward following the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu, who has been banned by FIFA for four months. The Slovenian will use his craft and cleverness to breach the weak looking Dortmund defense.
Center Forward
There’s a massive chance that Joel Pohjanpalo might start the game, as Javier Hernandez is doubtful due to a minor muscular problem. The Finnish attacker looked incredibility promising at the start of the season. His tally of four goals in seven goals is enough to prove it.
