Bayer Leverkusen vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Here is our preview of Wednesday's DFB-Pokal semifinal clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Fortuna Düsseldorf, including predicted lineups.
After extending their lead over Bayern Munich to 13 points at the top of the Bundesliga table over the weekend, Bayer Leverkusen will advance to the DFB-Pokal final if they beat Fortuna Düsseldorf in the semifinals on Wednesday.
As the only club in Europe's top leagues yet to lose a game this season, Xabi Alonso's high-flying side will be overwhelming favorites to knock the 2.Bundesliga side out of the cup.
The Werkself were in deep trouble against Hoffenheim at the weekend, but turned the game around late on to win 2-1 thanks to late goals from Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick.
The big question is how much Xabi Alonso wants to rotate his side, with games against Union Berlin and West Ham coming up after this one.
It's worth noting that they face a team in form as Fortuna Düsseldorf have won four of their last five matches. Their most recent win came on the road, when they defeated Kaiserslautern 3-1.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has a full squad at his disposal, with Victor Boniface, Arthur and Exequiel Palacios in line to return to the team. Ao Tanaka and Marcel Sobottka will miss the game for Fortuna.
Click here to see our predicted Bayer Leverkusen vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf lineups.