FC Bayern kick off the 25th Bundesliga matchday against Borussia Mönchengladbach in just under an hour. We bring you the starting line-ups for the game.
After a narrow but deserved 3-2 win in the classic, FC Bayern are now eleven points ahead of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table. Despite the large gap between them and their closest rivals, the Munich side are determined to keep the tension high. After all, the Champions League round of 16 first leg against BVB’s dreadful Atalanta Bergamo awaits during the week.
Before they continue in the top flight, however, Munich have to face Borussia Mönchengladbach at home. This will be the 116th time the two sides have met, making it the second most frequent clash in Bundesliga history. Only FC Bayern v Werder Bremen has taken place more often (118 matches). FCB’s record against Borussia: 56 wins, 31 draws and 28 defeats (222:143 goals).
Jackson replaces Kane up front
Manuel Neuer is back in goal after his absence against Dortmund. Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano start in front of him in central defence, with Kim coming in for the yellow card-threatened Jonathan Tah. Konrad Laimer and Tom Bischof start on the defensive flanks.
In central midfield, Kompany will start Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, with Michael Olise on the right, Luis Díaz on the left and Lennart Karl in the playmaker position. Harry Kane will be replaced by Nicolas Jackson up front, as the striker will have to rest today as he chases the Lewandowski record. A knock to his calf will prevent him from playing against the hosts. Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies are also missing, both with torn muscle fibres.
Three Bayern players are facing yellow card suspensions this evening: Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Jonathan Tah are all on four yellow cards.
An overview of the line-ups
FC Bayern: Neuer – Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Musiala, Luis Diaz – Gnabry
Borussia Mönchengladbach (probable): Nicolas – Diks, Elvedi, Chiarodia – Sander – Scally, Castrop – Reitz, Mohya – Honorat, Tabakovic