FC Bayern face their next must-win game in the Bundesliga when they host 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena on Sunday. This is the expected line-up
The game kicks off at 5.30 p.m. After an intense few weeks in the Champions League and Bundesliga, Vincent Kompany is likely to rely largely on his regular line-up. There is no longer any reason to rotate completely, even if movement is still possible in individual positions
Hardly any rotation expected
Manuel Neuer is set to start in goal, while Kompany is again likely to rely on a back four of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Josip Stanisic. Laimer and Leon Goretzka will have to be careful: both are on four yellow cards and would be suspended if they receive a further caution
Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are the first options in central midfield. Alternatively, Goretzka could start for Pavlovic, while Tom Bischof could also start if Kompany wants to react
In attack, there is much to be said for the trio of Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry. Karl is likely to start again after his strong performances of late, Luis Diaz is missing through suspension. In the center of attack, there is still no way around Harry Kane
Kompany had recently stressed that he prepares for different scenarios, especially when facing opponents with a new coach. „Of course, there are always a few question marks when a new coach comes in. You always expect a reaction from this team. I have to say, we are always prepared – even for the fact that the systems sometimes change in the game. There is a normal tactic and a Bayern plan. It has already happened that we have prepared so well, but the opponent has done something different because they are playing against us,“ explained the Bayern coach
Bayern can draw on a full complement of players, with Jamal Musiala continuing his recovery training and Alphonso Davies back in the squad after a long injury. Leon Klanac was not included
All the signs are that Kompany is banking on stability and wants to extend his team’s lead at the top of the table with a well-coordinated squad. Mainz will be hoping for the coaching effect, while Bayern will be hoping for another commanding performance
Bayern’s likely starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Karl, Gnabry – Kane
Mainz travel to Munich with two players – Kohr and Nebel – suspended, while several potential regulars such as Zentner, Mwene, Widmer and Caci are also out injured. It remains to be seen whether Amiri will be fit in time, meaning new manager Urs Fischer will have to improvise again
Mainz 05 line-up at a glance: Batz – da Costa, Maloney, Hanche-Olsen – Kawasaki, Kai Sano, Amiri, Veratschnig – J.-S. Lee, Hollerbach – Weiper