FC Bayern face their next must-win game in the Bundesliga when they host 1 FC Köln on Wednesday evening. These are the probable line-ups
After an intensive programme with three games in six days, FC Bayern may make a few changes. Nevertheless, coach Vincent Kompany is likely to rely on a stable basic formation and only rotate selectively. In terms of personnel, there are still limits for the Munich team
Manuel Neuer is safe in goal, while in the back four there are many indications that Konrad Laimer will start on the right flank and Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the center of defense. Hiroki Ito is likely to start at left back, as Josip Stanisic is out through injury and Alphonso Davies is not yet set for a starting role
Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof are the most likely solutions in the center of midfield. Joshua Kimmich is still missing with ankle problems, Leon Goretzka could be back on the bench for the time being. Bischof already played alongside Pavlovic in the 8-1 win over VfL Wolfsburg
In attack, Vincent Kompany could once again rely on Lennart Karl, although the youngster was not really convincing against Wolfsburg. Karl would then provide creativity and pace in Cologne together with Michael Olise and Luis Diaz behind centre-forward Harry Kane. Jamal Musiala is not yet an option for the starting eleven following his absence from training, while Serge Gnabry would be available as a substitute
Bayern’s likely starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, H. Ito – Bischof, Pavlovic – Olise, Karl, Luis Diaz – Kane
The personnel situation at 1. FC Köln is tense. Coach Lukas Kwasniok is without several regular players, including Hübers, Martel and van den Berg who are either suspended or injured. The Rhinelanders do not have much room for rotation
Marvin Schwäbe is set to start in goal, while Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey and Özkacar are likely to form the defence. Thielmann and Castro-Montes are expected to play on the flanks. Johannesson and Krauß could start in the center of midfield, while Said El Mala has a good chance of starting after his recent goal
The expected Cologne starting eleven at a glance: Schwäbe – Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Özkacar – Thielmann, Johannesson, Krauß, Castro-Montes – Kaminski, S. El Mala – Bülter