Feyenoord vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Team news and predicted lineups
After winning the German double and reaching the Europa League last season, Bayer Leverkusen are back in the Champions League this season and kick off their European campaign on Thursday when they visit Feyenoord.
Xabi Alonso's side have won all their games this season, apart from a 2-3 defeat to RB Leipzig that ended Leverkusen's unbeaten run in the Bundesliga after more than a year.
Key player Florian Wirtz has started the season in fine form and took his tally to three goals in three games in Leverkusen's 4-1 win over Hoffenheim at the weekend. Nigerian striker Victor Boniface got on the scoresheet for the first time this season in the same game, firing home a brace and also picking up an assist.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, have endured a tough start to the season as they try to adjust to life without Arne Slot, who has joined Liverpool. Under new coach Brian Priske, the Rotterdam club have managed just one win and three draws in four Eredivisie games so far this season. Most recently, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Groningen.
Their only previous meeting was in the last 16 of the 1987-88 UEFA Cup, when Leverkusen won 3-2 on aggregate en route to lifting the trophy.
Both teams should have a full squad at their disposal for Thursday's game.
Click here to see our predicted Feyenoord vs. Bayer Leverkusen lineups.