With the worldwide break approaching and opening a small hole on the prime of the Bundesliga desk, Bayern Munich have an opportunity to consolidate earlier than essentially the most essential a part of the season begins. Julian Nagelsmann faces the one different German group left in Europe, former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso. Alonso did an awesome job reviving Leverkusen from the lifeless, and whereas they are going to be a bit of drained from their efforts midweek, they’re nonetheless an essential problem to beat.

Crew information

The large information is that Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will probably be out with a again damage. Matthijs Tal additionally reportedly has a stiff muscle, so he might not be match to start out. Which means that Bayern Munich could need to go and not using a striker towards Leverkusen. Given how the group depends on Choupo being on prime of their motion and link-up play, attempting to chop him off may make it troublesome for the offense to construct any momentum.

Julian Nagelsmann has loads of choices to start out within the beginning line-up, however it’s not clear who he’ll really play. Thomas Mueller could begin on the prime, with assist from Jamal Musiala behind him, and Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman on the wings. That is only a guess, as a result of Nagelsmann may theoretically have used any mixture of forwards on Sunday.

Midfielders will probably be Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich – do not anticipate any surprises there. Ryan Gravenberch must wait a bit of longer to get began. In the meantime, protection is one other space the place a coach has loads of choices to select from. Alphonso Davies may begin at left-back, with the again three of Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard within the center. It’s seemingly that Jan Sommer will probably be in purpose.

Here is what potential XI begins may appear like:

Truthfully, it’s extremely troublesome to foretell the line-up as a result of we do not really know who Nagelsmann’s third striker is. Different choices embrace:

• Sadio Mane as striker.
• Joao Cancelo as Proper Again.
• Josip Stanisic as one of many three defenders.

Involved in a extra in-depth sport preview? Then try our Weekend Heat-up podcast! Chuck talks in regards to the match towards Leverkusen, shares his ideas on the Champions League draw, and far more! Hearken to it beneath or on Spotify.

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