The expected Leverkusen shape is the 3-4-2-1, and it is designed to overload central areas. The two tens — likely Florian Wirtz and one of the wide forwards — will look to knife through the lines between Leipzig's double pivot and their back four. If Leipzig's midfield two are not compact, Leverkusen will find pockets. The wing-backs will stretch the pitch, pinning Leipzig's full-backs deep and creating space for the tens to operate. Schick up top is the focal point, a proper penalty-box presence who can hold the ball and bring others into play.

Leipzig's 4-2-2-2 is a pressing machine when it works. The front two press the centre-backs, the wide midfielders tuck in to cut passing lanes, and the full-backs push up to squeeze the pitch. But without Baumgartner and Reitz, the midfield lacks its usual bite and ball-carrying. That means Leverkusen's double pivot — likely Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios — could dominate the rhythm. If Leverkusen can beat the first press, they will find themselves running at Leipzig's back four with numbers.

The set-piece battle is another factor. Leverkusen have the height and delivery to hurt teams from dead balls. Leipzig's zonal marking has been known to creak under sustained pressure. At the BayArena, with the crowd behind them, every corner feels like a chance.