Leverkusen v RB Leipzig: Probable line-ups for Bundesliga fourth-round clash

Bayer Leverkusen host RB Leipzig at the BayArena on Sunday, 20 September 2026, with both ambitious sides meeting in one of the standout fixtures of the Bundesliga’s fourth matchday.

Bayer Leverkusen

Mark Flekken is expected to retain his place in goal for Bayer Leverkusen, having established himself through his consistency. Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina and Miguel Gutierrez are set to form the defensive line.

In midfield, Equi Fernandez and Aleix Garcia are likely to start together, providing a combination of ball-winning ability and passing quality. Moussa Diaby, Ibrahim Maza and Afonso Moreira could operate behind Christian Kofane, who is expected to lead the attack.

Kofane may be preferred in the central striking role because of his movement and ability to find space. His selection would come at the expense of other attacking options.

Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez Novell will be without Guela Doue, Kennet Eichhorn, Nathan Tella and Montrell Culbreath, with all four players injured.

Probable Bayer Leverkusen XI: Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken Defenders: Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina, Miguel Gutierrez Defensive midfielders: Equi Fernandez, Aleix Garcia Attacking midfielders: Moussa Diaby, Ibrahim Maza, Afonso Moreira Striker: Christian Kofane

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig also have several players unavailable, with Assan Ouedraogo, Rocco Reitz, Christoph Baumgartner and Marc Guiu all injured.

Despite those absences, Argentine manager Martin Demichelis is expected to name a competitive starting side for the trip to Bayer Leverkusen. Maarten Vandevoordt should start in goal, behind a defence of Benjamin Henrichs, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba and David Raum.

Neil El Aynaoui, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Brajan Gruda are in line to feature in midfield. In attack, Antonio Nusa, Christopher Nkunku and Tidiam Gomis are expected to be selected as a front three.

The combination is likely to be favoured for its pace and ability to threaten opponents during transitions. Lukeba should partner captain Willi Orban at the heart of the defence.

Probable RB Leipzig XI: Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt Defenders: Benjamin Henrichs, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba, David Raum Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Brajan Gruda Attackers: Antonio Nusa, Christopher Nkunku, Tidiam Gomis

The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The listed odds from 1xbet price a Bayer Leverkusen victory at 1,90, a draw at 4,00 and an RB Leipzig win at 3,20.