Bayer Leverkusen and Zenit St. Petersburg are both very capable Champions League teams, and they are separated by just a point heading into their intriguing Champions League clash on Wednesday. Zenit opened their campaign with a win away at Benfica, and followed it up with a draw at home to fellow group leaders Monaco. Leverkusen, meanwhile, are a point in arrears, having surprising lost to the Ligue 1 club on the opening matchday before beating Benfica.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Zenit St. Petersburg, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Bayer Leverkusen host Zenit St. Petersburg in an unpredictable Champions League matchup on Wednesday.
Christof Koepsel
However, make no mistake, Leverkusen are every bit as dangerous a team as Zenit. Boasting a fierce attack and a coach who emphasises proactive, high-intensity football, they’ll look to build on their promising start to the Bundesliga season in this match. They’re not quite as good at the back as they are up top, but that means only one thing: goals. And who doesn’t love goals?
Key player - Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen head into this match with their star attacker on top form. Korean youngster Son Heung-min netted twice in a dramatic 3-3 draw away at Stuttgart on the weekend, bringing his Bundesliga tally for the season notch up to four in seven appearances. Given the freedom to drift inside off the left flank, he’s a player capable of doing serious damage.
Key matchup - Hulk vs. Borges Wendell
If there’s one man who knows how to get the best out of Brazilian winger Hulk, it’s André Villas-Boas. The Portuguese coach worked wonders with the attacker at Porto, and has been reunited with him since moving to Zenit. In this match, Hulk will likely be up against his young compatriot Borges Wendell, in what could well be one of the game’s most important contests.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Gonzalo Castro (knee), Sebastian Boenisch (heel), Simon Rolfes (ankle). In doubt: None.
Zenit St. Petersburg injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Oleg Shatov (muscular problem).
Bayer Leverkusen will be without versatile midfielder Gonzalo Castro, anchorman Simon Rolfes and full-back Sebastian Boenisch. Zenit, meanwhile, only have one injury doubt, with midfielder Oleg Shatov facing a late fitness test.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), NTV Russia (Russia)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany), NTV+ Sport Online (Russia)
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