In Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal second-round clash, Bayer Leverkusen host Elversberg at the BayArena as the Bundesliga title holders look to advance deeper into the cup competition.
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Bayer Leverkusen, currently third in the Bundesliga, come off a challenging 2-2 draw with Werder Bremen, while Elversberg enter the match seventh in the 2. Bundesliga after a thrilling 4-2 win over Hamburger SV.
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen’s Recent Form:
Under manager Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have shown their attacking prowess but have struggled defensively, keeping only three clean sheets across 13 matches this season.
The 2023-24 DFB-Pokal champions began their cup defense in August with a narrow 1-0 victory over Carl Zeiss Jena, courtesy of a second-half goal from Jonas Hofmann. Leverkusen will aim to avoid similar defensive lapses after allowing a last-minute equalizer in their recent Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen.
Elversberg’s Recent Form:
Elversberg, managed by Horst Steffen, are enjoying an impressive season in the 2. Bundesliga, just three points away from the promotion spots.
They enter Tuesday’s cup clash unbeaten in their last four games, with three wins and a draw, including a recent 4-2 triumph over Hamburger SV. Elversberg’s attacking form will be crucial, although they may face a challenging task breaking down Leverkusen’s experienced defense.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen:
Bayer Leverkusen will be without forward Amine Adli, sidelined by a broken leg. In his absence, Alonso could deploy Jonas Hofmann and Francis Onyeka behind striker Patrik Schick.
Defensively, Leverkusen may use a back three of Arthur, Jonathan Tah, and Edmond Tapsoba, with Aleix Garcia and Robert Andrich anchoring the midfield.
Elversberg:
Elversberg’s injury list includes defenders Frederik Jakel and Florian Le Joncour, along with midfielders Patryk Dragon and Semih Sahin. Robin Fellhauer, Carlo Sickinger, and Muhammed Damar are likely to form the midfield, while Arne Sicker could play just behind strikers Luca Schnellbacher and Lukas Petkov.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen:
Kovar; Arthur, Tah, Tapsoba; Tella, Garcia, Andrich, Belocian; Hofmann, Onyeka; Schick
Elversberg:
Kristof; Baum, Pinckert, Rohr, Neubauer; Fellhauer, Sickinger, Damar; Sicker; Schnellbacher, Petkov
Match Prediction
While Leverkusen’s recent defensive record leaves some room for concern, Alonso’s team should still have the upper hand against Elversberg’s second-tier lineup. Expect Leverkusen’s attacking quality to shine through, with a comfortable victory likely to secure their place in the DFB-Pokal’s next round.
