Josip Drmić gets the start as the lone striker in Roger Schmidt’s 4-2-3-1 formation. There had been some debate about whether Drmić or Bayer’s longtime star Stefan Kießling would get the nod up front. Kießling’s goal scoring has been way down this season, so going with the 22-year-old Drmić seems like the logical move.
Josip Drmić starts ahead of Stefan Kießling for Bayer Leverkusen
Here’s how the two sides will lineup for their Champions League Round of 16 first leg match.
Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Diego SImeone has shocked no one by opting for the customary 4-4-2 formation he’s been utilizing a lot this season. If not for a hamstring injury sidelining Koke, it would be a true first choice lineup at this point for Atléti, but youngster Saúl Ñíguez is a solid replacement for Koke, and he’s played well when given the chance this year.
Bayer (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Roberto Hilbert, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Emir Spahić, Wendell; Gonzalo Castro, Lars Bender; Karim Bellarabi, Hakan Calhanoglu, Heung-Min Son; Josip Drmic
Atléti (4-4-2): Miguel Ángel Moyà; Juanfran, Diego Godín, João Miranda, Guilherme Siqueira; Arda Turna, Gabi, Tiago, Saúl Ñíguez; Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic
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