FC Bayern faces a challenge on Saturday against FC Schalke 04. Vincent Kompany is likely to reshuffle his starting lineup once again. Things will be particularly exciting at the number 10 position.
Following their 4-1 victory over VfL Osnabrück in the DFB Cup, FC Bayern returns to Bundesliga action. On Saturday, the German record champions will visit newly promoted FC Schalke 04. Kickoff at the Veltins-Arena is at 6:30 p.m.
Vincent Kompany made changes to several positions in his lineup earlier this week. More changes are expected this time around. In goal, Manuel Neuer returns to his former stomping grounds after Jonas Urbig made his season debut in Osnabrück.
The regular starters are also likely to take the field in defense. Konrad Laimer is expected on the right side, while Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah could form the central defensive pairing. Alphonso Davies is likely to start on the left.
In central midfield, there’s a strong case for Aleksandar Pavlovic’s return. The national team player could start alongside Joshua Kimmich. Tom Bischof, who caught the eye in Osnabrück with a strong performance and his goal to make it 2–1, would thus initially be an option off the bench again.
Brown could start in the number 10 position again
The lineup for the attacking trio will be particularly interesting. According to Sky, Jamal Musiala will be back in the Bayern squad for the first time this season. However, it’s likely still too early for him to start after his extended break.
Kompany stated on Friday that Musiala had completed “a good, full week of training.” The Bayern coach also emphasized: “Things are looking up for him; he’s doing well.” Nevertheless, the Munich club wants to ease their star attacker back into match action gradually.
This raises the question once again of who will replace Musiala at the “10” position. Nathaniel Brown could step in here. The 23-year-old had already taken on this role from the start in the 5-1 win over VfB Stuttgart.
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In the cup match against Osnabrück, Ismael Saibari was then given the starting spot in his preferred position behind Harry Kane. However, the Moroccan was unable to build on his strong Bundesliga debut against Stuttgart—in which he recorded two assists—during the 4-1 victory. Brown could therefore be given the nod again at Schalke.
Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are expected to start on the wings. Harry Kane is a sure starter at center forward. With Saibari and Lennart Karl, Kompany would also have two additional offensive options on the bench. Added to that is Musiala, who could potentially get his first minutes of playing time during the match.
Predicted lineups at a glance
FC Bayern: Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Brown, Luis Diaz – Kane
FC Schalke 04: Karius – Kurucay, Katic, T. Becker – V. Becker, El-Faouzi, Tanaka, Ljubicic – Aouchiche, Adamu – Sylla