Combined XI: Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen (Current)

A blossoming rivalry at the head of German football, Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen prepare to clash in a tantalising UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Fixtures between the pair have intensified over the last 12 months after Leverkusen claimed their maiden Bundesliga crown by dethroning Bayern in the 2023/24 campaign.

As their paths cross on the European stage, we have constructed a combined XI featuring players from both sides, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK - Manuel Neuer

Two goalkeepers in the twilight of their careers, Lukas Hradecky is the other shot-stopper contesting a starting berth but we've opted for Manuel Neuer, whose distribution is still as immaculate as it was a decade ago.

Injuries have contributed to Neuer's regression but the 38-year-old remains a key feature of Vincent Kompany's plans, as showcased by the club's decision to extend his contract for an additional year.

RB - Jeremie Frimpong

A dynamic threat from the flank who possesses exhilarating speed, it's no surprise to see Jeremie Frimpong court the attention of Europe's biggest clubs.

Predominantly deployed as a right wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Frimpong is vital in the way Xabi Alonso's side transition from defence to attack and his productivity perhaps hasn't yielded the rewards he deserves.

CB - Dayot Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano has endured his fair share of criticism in the past but the French centre-back appears to have found another level under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, who knows a thing or two about the art of defending.

Winning more ground and aerial duels than ever before, the 26-year-old has strung together a series of imperious performances which have resulted in Bayern possessing the best defensive record in the Bundesliga.

CB - Edmond Tapsoba

An elite ball-playing defender, Edmond Tapsoba is adept with both feet which makes him perfect for slotting in as a left-centre back.

Strong and agile, the Burkina Faso international is dependable in the air and has been a mainstay in a Leverkusen backline that's helped them progress from long-time Bundesliga pretenders to contenders on every front.

LB - Alphonso Davies

It speaks volumes of Alphonso Davies' ability that we're omitting Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, but the Bayern star is still one of the world's best in that position.

Davies has unearthed greater balance to his game having carved a reputation as an attacking full-back and while he remains a persistent threat on the flank with his athleticism and endless supply of tricks, the Canadian is impressive at being able to contain wingers in one-on-one situations.

CDM - Joshua Kimmich

Versatility has been one of Joshua Kimmich's most commendable traits over the years and yet there is so much more to the 30-year-old than his ability to deputise in an array of positions.

Recording the most touches of any player in the Bundesliga, the all-encompassing Kimmich has been trusted by Kompany to dictate proceedings in the pivot and Bayern have profited from it, while the midfielder has retained his defensive instincts as he continues to disrupt opposition forays.

CDM - Granit Xhaka

Revitalised from leaving Arsenal two years ago, Granit Xhaka has established himself as a vital cog in Leverkusen's engine room.

Only St. Pauli's Jackson Irvine has covered more distance than the Switzerland international in the Bundesliga and Xhaka's broad skillset enables him to keep Alonso's outfit ticking on both sides of the ball.

Additionally, if you're ever in need of a spectacular 25-yard zinger, Xhaka is your man.

RW - Michael Olise

There was enormous intrigue as to how Michael Olise would fare after switching Selhurst Park for the Allianz Arena in a €53 million deal.

Olise has already repaid that fee tenfold, registering double figures in both goals and assists in what's been a scintillating debut campaign for the exceptionally talented winger.

Establishing himself as one of Bayern's integral players, the Hammersmith-born Olise continues to score and create with remarkable ferocity.

CAM - Jamal Musiala

"People go to the stadium because of Jamal Musiala," claimed Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer following the announcement of Musiala's contract extension until 2030.

Already one of Europe's best playmakers, Musiala's an exceptional dribbler who is capable of navigating even the most densely populated spaces, weaving between defenders with alarming ease.

With passing crisp and incisive, Musiala's worked on his presence in the penalty area, contributing to an even greater output.

LW - Florian Wirtz

If he was contending with anyone other than Musiala then Florian Wirtz would be the central option but we've had to move the Leverkusen out wide to accommodate both.

It's hardly surprising that Bayern are pursuing a move for Alonso's chief creator as Wirtz has demonstrated he is an elite playmaker over the course of the previous two seasons.

With close-knit control and unbelievable vision, Wirtz is the master of threading the needle.

ST - Harry Kane

Averaging a goal per game since joining Bayern Munich, Harry Kane's goal tally speaks for itself.

A specialist in finishing, it doesn't matter whether it's the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal or UEFA Champions League, it's more than likely that Kane will find the back of the net.

Check out the bet365 betting hub for all the latest UEFA Champions League betting odds.