FC Bayern will host Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup in around an hour’s time, and we bring you the starting line-ups for the game.
After their 4-2 win against VfB Stuttgart, which secured the German championship ahead of time, Munich are now looking to take the next step in the DFB Cup and secure their ticket to the final in Berlin with a win in Leverkusen.
It will also be the record cup winners‘ first semi-final since 2020, when Munich reached the final after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2:1 and later won 4:2 against Bayer Leverkusen. In view of the enormous importance of the clash, coach Vincent Kompany will field his best possible squad.
Compared to the Bundesliga match against Stuttgart, Vincent Kompany has made seven changes to his starting XI. Manuel Neuer is back in goal, with Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Konrad Laimer forming the back four.
Kompany will rely on Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in central midfield, with both returning to the starting line-up after rotation at the weekend to provide stability and structure to Munich’s play.
Musiala takes over the Gnabry role
In attack, the Bayern coach is relying on his current best available line-up. Harry Kane starts in the center of attack and should once again serve as a decisive factor in the attack. Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz start behind Kane. Due to the tight personnel situation in the attacking area, the alternatives are currently limited. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl are not available due to injury.
However, the options on the bench remain high-calibre, with Leon Goretzka, Alphonso Davies and Raphaël Guerreiro among the experienced players available as alternatives.
The line-ups at a glance
Bayer Leverkusen: To follow shortly
FC Bayern: Neuer – Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Musiala, Díaz – Kane
Bayern substitutes‘ bench: Urbig – Kim, Goretzka, Jackson, Davies, Ito, Guerreiro, Ofli, Sapoko Ndiaye