With the bitter style of disappointment nonetheless lingering from Wednesday’s exit from Albokal, Bayern Munich journey to Europa-Park to face Freiburg at house. Thomas Tuchel is underneath stress to indicate a response from his workforce – not simply due to the earlier loss, however as a result of the subsequent recreation can be towards Manchester city Within the Champions League, which may decide the course of Bayern’s season.

Sadly, the chances appear to be stacked towards him.

Group information

He confirmed on the press convention that Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has a knee drawback. Not solely will he miss Saturday’s recreation, however he is uncertain about subsequent Tuesday as effectively. His solely assistant, 17-year-old Matthijs Tal, continues to be engaged on his return from damage. Dayot Upamecano was suspended for yellow card accumulation. Shedding the assist of a striker and attacker is dangerous sufficient, however a key defender too? Freiburg ought to lick their lips, as a result of Bayern Munich can be removed from the perfect.

It is as much as Tuchel to search out some method to get the three factors again. With the league desk the best way it’s, he could not afford the rest. Thomas Müller is more likely to begin on the high, alongside Serge Gnabry or Sadio Mane at striker. For example it’s going to be Gnabry, as Mane has been in such dire straits recently – although it is actually only a fling between the 2 of them in the mean time.

Jamal Musiala might come instead of Leroy Sane on the wing, whereas Kingsley Coman begins on the opposite wing. That relies upon totally on how Tuchel handles the midweek rotation – Coman was substituted off early, probably to save lots of him for this recreation. In the meantime, Musiala must amend the unlucky penalty kick he obtained within the last minutes of Freiburg’s final match. Tuchel says he educated rather well all through the week.

The midfield will stay unchanged, as a result of, let’s face it, there are not any alternate options. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich might want to begin in each large recreation going ahead. Why did Bayern abandon Sabitzer once more? What occurs if one in all them will get injured? Later questions, I believe.

In protection, let’s be sincere. No Joao Cancelo, please. Sure, he’s gifted. However Noussair Mazraoui is lastly match and lots of Bayern followers favor a right-back who can truly defend. However, Alphonso Davies ought to return to the lineup. His absence was deeply felt in Bokal. Hopefully the choice to relaxation him will repay within the league and Champions League.

Benjamin Pavard will transfer into his favored centre-back place, alongside Matthijs de Ligt – one of many few gamers to come back out of Freiburg’s newest match together with his popularity intact. Yann Sommer will take his standard place between the sticks, that includes a personality youthful than Manuel Neuer each actually and figuratively.

Here is what the lineup may appear like:

Fascinated about a extra in-depth recreation preview? Then take a look at our Weekend Heat-up podcast! On this episode, Chuck tackles the aftermath of the final Freiburg recreation, the dangerous optics of Joao Cancelo’s begin, and extra! Hearken to it beneath or on Spotify.

As all the time, we respect all of the assist.