Tactics
Gerardo Seoane is a fan of the 4-2-3-1 formation. During the second half of the season, the Leverkusen boss has only used a different system in the matches against Bayern, Leipzig and Atalanta, when he switched to three or five at the back. With key man Florian Wirtz being sidelined by a cruciate ligament tear since Matchday 26, the Swiss coach has rotated in the position behind the striker. January signing Sardar Azmoun was handed that role in the last match against Greuther Fürth and staked his claim with a goal and an assist.
Absentees
Oliver Glasner must do without Jesper Lindström on Matchday 32, as the Dane is nursing a thigh problem that he picked up at West Ham. Rafael Santos Borré is suspended after collecting five yellow cards and Erik Durm is doubtful, having been absent this week due to illness.
Bayer are missing Wirtz, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli and Karim Bellarabi through injury, while Kerem Demirbay is a doubt due to a foot injury.
One to watch: Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick’s hot streak began at last summer’s European Championship, where he was the joint top scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with five goals. The 1.91-metre striker has underpinned those impressive performances for Leverkusen this season. Despite being out of action for nearly six weeks towards the end of last year with a thigh injury, the Czech has racked up 21 goals.
Head-to-head
Eintracht and Leverkusen have faced off 75 times, 73 of those in the Bundesliga. The Eagles have come out on top on 27 occasions, Leverkusen have won 35 times and 13 meetings have ended in a draw. The Werkself have the edge in the goal difference, having scored 137 and conceded 106.
