FC Bayern are set to play their final game of the Champions League phase when they host PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday evening. This is the Munich team’s expected line-up
Despite having already secured their place in the last 16, there is still a lot at stake for FC Bayern in sporting terms. With a view to their position in the league phase, the Munich side will also want to play for victory in Eindhoven. Vincent Kompany will therefore hardly rotate, but will still be forced to improvise in terms of personnel – especially on the right-hand side of defence
The situation on the defensive flanks remains tense, with Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic and Raphael Guerreiro missing several options. Although Sacha Boey has returned to training after a long illness, Kompany says he is not yet in contention for a starting role
This leaves the question of who should take over on the right-hand side against PSV unanswered. Joshua Kimmich would be an obvious solution, but recently it became clear that Kompany does not want to miss his influence in central midfield. Most recently, the coach deliberately deployed Kimmich in the center – and not as a right-back. This pattern suggests that the international is also planned to play in midfield in Eindhoven
Everything points once again to a temporary solution: Tom Bischof could start at right-back, as he did recently, even if this is not his regular position
Upamecano and Gnabry again options
On the other hand, there is positive news from the sick camp: Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry are fit again after their infections and are ready for the starting eleven. After Minjae Kim’s yellow-red suspension, Upamecano is likely to return directly to the center of defence and defend alongside Jonathan Tah
Hiroki Ito is a realistic option at left-back after his stable performances of late, while Alphonso Davies is also back on the bench, but is likely to start as a substitute
Manuel Neuer is set to start in goal. In defence, there is much to be said for a back four with Tom Bischof on the right, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the center and Hiroki Ito on the left. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are likely to start in the center of midfield
Michael Olise is a permanent fixture in attack, and Serge Gnabry and Luis Diaz could start alongside him behind center forward Harry Kane. Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl would be options for fresh impetus from the bench
Bayern’s likely starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Bischof, Upamecano, Tah, H. Ito – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Gnabry, Luis Diaz – Kane
PSV Eindhoven will go into the clash with a broad chest. Coach Peter Bosz is relying on a strong team with a clear offensive focus. Caution is required, especially on the wings with Johan Bakayoko and Ivan Perisic, while Joey Veerman will pull the strings in the center
The probable PSV starting eleven: Kovar – Sildillia, Schouten, Obispo, Dest – Mauro Junior, J. Veerman – Saibari – Man, Til, Perisic