Leverkusen are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 under Carles Martínez, a shape that gives them three centre-backs, wing-backs pushed high, and two attacking midfielders floating behind a lone striker. That system is designed to dominate the half-spaces and overload the flanks, and against a Leipzig side that likes to press, the key will be how quickly Leverkusen can bypass the first line. If the wing-backs can pin Leipzig's full-backs deep, the two number tens will find pockets between the lines. Patrik Schick up top is the focal point, and his recent late goal against Augsburg shows he is sharp in the box. The concern is the absence of Nathan Tella, whose back injury robs them of a direct, pacy option out wide, and the continued absence of young Kennet Eichhorn leaves the midfield a little lighter in defensive cover.

Leipzig are predicted to set up in a 4-2-2-2, a shape that relies on two holding midfielders screening the back four and two narrow attacking midfielders looking to spring quick transitions. It is a system built for verticality, but without Baumgartner and Reitz, the creativity and legs in those advanced central roles are compromised. The double pivot will need to be disciplined against Leverkusen's two tens, and the full-backs will be stretched by the wing-back runs. Set-pieces could be a factor too: Leverkusen's three-at-the-back shape gives them good aerial presence, and Leipzig have shown vulnerability from dead balls in recent games. The game state likely sees Leverkusen with more of the ball, probing, while Leipzig look to counter. The question is whether Leipzig's press can disrupt Leverkusen's build-up enough to create those transition moments.