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Leverkusen Predicted XI: Martínez Set To Trust His Freiburg Heroes
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- Leverkusen Predicted XI: Martínez Set To Trust His Freiburg Heroes
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to return to their strongest starting eleven for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against TSG Hoffenheim, with Carles Martínez tipped to name the same lineup that defeated Freiburg 2-1 last weekend.
After rotating his squad for Thursday's 2-0 Europa League victory over OFI Crete, the Spanish coach could restore several key players as the Werkself look to extend their six-match winning streak.
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The predicted lineup features Ibrahim Maza, Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby in attack, with Mark Flekken returning in goal.
Leverkusen's Predicted Starting XI Against Hoffenheim
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
Defence: Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina, Miguel Gutiérrez
Midfield: Aleix García, Ezequiel Fernández
Attack: Moussa Diaby, Ibrahim Maza, Afonso Moreira
Striker: Patrik Schick
This is exactly the starting eleven Martínez selected against Freiburg, when Die Werkself came from behind to secure an important victory over the early Bundesliga leaders.
The same lineup is also projected by the Bundesliga's official pre-match team news, suggesting Martínez could prioritise continuity after a successful league performance.
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Maza And Schick Expected To Lead The Attack
The biggest reason for keeping the Freiburg lineup unchanged is the impressive understanding developing between Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick.
Both players were decisive in last weekend's victory.
After Freiburg took an early lead, Schick produced a clever backheel assist for Maza's equaliser in the 19th minute.
The Algerian then returned the favour in the second half, setting up Schick's winning goal in the 76th minute.
That strike also saw Schick become the first Leverkusen player to score in each of the opening six Bundesliga matches of a season.
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With Diaby and Moreira providing pace and width, Martínez has several attacking options capable of exploiting Hoffenheim's defensive weaknesses.
The hosts have already conceded 14 league goals this season, including eleven in the second half.
Martínez Has A Big Decision After Hofmann's Heroics
Although an unchanged lineup appears likely, Martínez still faces an interesting selection dilemma.
Jonas Hofmann scored both goals against OFI Crete on Thursday, making an immediate impact after returning to Leverkusen's Europa League squad.
The 34-year-old has given his coach another reason to consider changes, particularly with a demanding fixture schedule ahead.
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Janis Blaswich also impressed in Greece, but Flekken is expected to reclaim his starting position after Martínez publicly praised his recent form.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim enter Sunday's encounter with renewed confidence after consecutive victories over Borussia Mönchengladbach and Lyon.
Andrej Kramaric was particularly impressive against the French side, contributing a goal and two assists in a 3-0 victory.
Kramaric Sends Leverkusen A Warning Ahead Of Hoffenheim Clash
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For Leverkusen , maintaining their attacking rhythm while controlling Hoffenheim's dangerous transitions will be crucial.
Martínez has successfully balanced rotation and results throughout his opening ten competitive matches. Now, he could turn back to the eleven that delivered one of Leverkusen's most important Bundesliga victories of the season.
If the Freiburg lineup starts again, the message will be clear: Martínez trusts his strongest combination to keep Leverkusen's winning run alive.
From here the stage only gets bigger.
