FC Bayern are facing a real top match in the Bundesliga this weekend when the record champions host RB Leipzig. These are the expected line-ups
After their convincing performance last time out, FC Bayern now face a much tougher task. Leipzig are one of the league’s strongest attacking teams and are likely to pose a much greater challenge to Munich than their previous opponents. Despite the pressure of the tight fixture list, Vincent Kompany will probably once again rely on a stable back line
Manuel Neuer is set to start in goal, while there is much to suggest that Joshua Kimmich will line up on the right side of the back four, provided the DFB captain gets the green light following his ankle problems. However, his starting appearance is not yet certain. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are likely to start in the center of defence, while Hiroki Ito is the most likely option at left-back, as Alphonso Davies is still behind in training following his flu
In central midfield, the combination of Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof looks likely. Both have impressed recently and could start together again. Leon Goretzka is an alternative
Kompany is likely to rely on continuity in attack
In attack, there is much to suggest that Vincent Kompany will once again rely on the trio of Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Luis Diaz. Karl continues to enjoy the confidence of the coach and is expected to provide dynamism behind centre-forward Harry Kane. Kane himself is set in attack and should once again act not only as a goalscorer, but also as a playmaking fixture
The returning Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka are well-known alternatives on the bench who could play a decisive role in the game
The likely Bayern starting XI at a glance
Neuer – Kimmich, Upamecano, Tah, H. Ito – Bischof, Pavlovic – Olise, Karl, Luis Diaz – Kane
Kompany expects an intense game
RB Leipzig will also go into the game with a number of question marks over their personnel. Coach Ole Werner could rotate, with Gomis a candidate for a starting role. Despite a number of absentees, Leipzig remain a real threat
Vincent Kompany has already warned of the opponents and recalled the clear 6:0 win in the first half of the season: „Leipzig have a young team, so it can happen that not everything goes perfectly in the first game. They were on our heels for a long time after that and won a lot of games. Many of their players have developed very well. Their coach has been there longer now. They are a strong attacking team, it could be a great game. It will be intense, both teams can score goals.“
The likely Leipzig starting XI at a glance
Gulacsi – R. Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum – Seiwald – Baumgartner, X. Schlager – Gomis, Romulo, Y. Diomande