FC Bayern kick off the second half of the Bundesliga season on Sunday when the record champions host VfL Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena. These are the likely line-ups
After the winter break, there is much to suggest that Vincent Kompany will focus on stability and only rotate selectively. However, the Bayern coach is missing a key player in Joshua Kimmich
In goal, Manuel Neuer returns between the posts after recovering from a torn muscle fibre, and Kompany is likely to deploy a back four of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Josip Stanisic in front of him
Aleksandar Pavlovic is set to play in central midfield, with Leon Goretzka likely to start alongside him as Kimmich’s ankle problem is still preventing him from playing. The DFB captain will come too early for the opener
Karl expected in the starting eleven again
Offensively, there are many indications that Lennart Karl will continue to be trusted after his strong performances. Together with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, the 17-year-old is expected to provide pace and creativity behind centre-forward Harry Kane. Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala are not yet available to Kompany from the start, but could play a role in the course of the match
Alphonso Davies, Raphaël Guerreiro and Hiroki Ito will be on the bench as defensive alternatives, while Tom Bischof, Javier Chávez and Wisdom Mike are also available as substitutes
Bayern’s likely starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic – Pavlovic, Goretzka – Olise, Karl, Diaz – Kane
Kompany warns against Wolfsburg
Despite being favourites, Kompany warned of the opponents: „Every game is different, I have nothing to do with the previous 60 games. Wolfsburg’s strengths are clear, they are an attacking team, they are always dangerous. They have scored a lot of goals in the last few games. It’s not a game without danger. You have to be prepared for the opponent’s strengths. If they get a chance, they will score. But then it’s mainly about our strength, that we push our game through.“
VfL Wolfsburg coach Bauer will be without a number of regular players, with Wind, Maehle and Rogerio among those missing through injury
The likely Wolfsburg starting eleven at a glance: Grabara – Kumbedi, Jenz, Koulierakis, Fischer – Svanberg, Arnold – Eriksen, Majer, Wimmer – Pejcinovic