In the DFB Cup, FC Bayern faces a challenge at VfL Osnabrück. Vincent Kompany is expected to make changes to his starting lineup in several positions.
Following their successful Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern already faces its next challenge. On Wednesday evening, the record German champions will travel to VfL Osnabrück for the first round of the DFB Cup.
Given the tight schedule, Vincent Kompany is likely to make changes to his lineup in several positions. Even after the 5-1 win over Stuttgart, the Bayern coach had pointed out the heavy workload during this phase of the season. As a result, some regular starters could be given a rest.
There will be a change in goal. Jonas Urbig is set to make his first appearance of the season, while captain Manuel Neuer will take a seat on the bench. Kompany confirmed this at the pre-match press conference.
Kompany is also expected to rotate the defense. Jonathan Tah was surprisingly left out against Stuttgart and could now return to the lineup. Alongside him, Minjae Kim is expected to start, having put in a strong performance in the Bundesliga opener. Josip Stanisic and Alphonso Davies could start on the wings. Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer would thus be candidates for a rest.
Saibari and Bischof could get their chance
Another change is on the horizon in central midfield. While Joshua Kimmich is likely to start again, Tom Bischof could play alongside him. Aleksandar Pavlovic, who was in the starting lineup against Stuttgart and even scored in the 5-1 win, would thus be rested.
The lineup for the number 10 position will be particularly interesting. Ismael Saibari made a strong case for a starting spot against Stuttgart. The new signing came on for Nathaniel Brown just over an hour into the game and set up two goals in quick succession. In the cup, the Moroccan could now make his first start in his preferred position.
(function(){
var iframe = document.getElementById(‚footy-widget-match-large-1550705-fcbinside-current‘);
if (!iframe) return;
window.addEventListener(‚message‘, function(event) {
if (event.source !== iframe.contentWindow) return;
var data = event.data || {};
if (data.type === ‚FOOTY_WIDGET_HEIGHT‘ && typeof data.height === ’number‘) {
iframe.style.height = data.height + ‚px‘;
}
});
})();
Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are expected to start on the wings. Harry Kane is also likely to remain the starting center forward for now, despite possible rotation. While Kompany would make a few changes, he would still field enough regular starters to leave no doubt about the outcome against the third-division team.
Predicted lineups at a glance:
FC Bayern: Urbig – Stanisic, Tah, Kim, Davies – Kimmich, Bischof – Olise, Saibari, Luis Diaz – Kane
VfL Osnabrück: Krumrey – Fabinski, J. Müller, Wiemann – P. Kammerbauer, Badjie – F. Wagner, B. Jacobsen – Beck, Münst – R. Meißner