How should Bayern Munich line up against Bayer Leverkusen?

Bayern Munich’s DFB Pokal clash with Bayer Leverkusen presents Die Roten with some interesting match-ups. Leverkusen has been an enigma of late, driven by its youthful and enormously talented group that includes Julian Brandt (21), Leon Bailey (20), and Kai Havertz (18). In addition, Die Werkself also features its leading scorer Kevin Volland, who notched a hat trick over the weekend and has been a force this season for Leverkusen.

The offensive firepower may not represent the danger awaiting for Bayern in its Champions League tie with Real Madrid, but it is enough that Jupp Heynckes should be concerned. Heynckes will have to ensure that he balances having the proper defensive focus within the midfield, while maintaining offensive pressure up-top in his formation.

This is also not a game where Bayern can afford some of the sloppy, defensive lapses that have occurred of late. Factoring in all of that, we asked three of our writers to predict the lineup, which presented some similar viewpoints on how to combat Leverkusen’s strengths, while also attacking some of Die Werkself’s weaknesses:

CSmith1919

Ineednoname

TomAdams71