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Bayern Munich vs FC Koln – Match Preview

By Kiran Thakare

(L-R) Anthony Modeste of 1.FC Koln, Arturo Vidal of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Koln and FC Bayern Munich on March 19, 2016 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Koln, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(L-R) Anthony Modeste of 1.FC Koln, Arturo Vidal of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Koln and FC Bayern Munich on March 19, 2016 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Koln, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich gear up to get back to winning ways as they face FC Koln in matchday six of Bundesliga. The Bavarians would be looking to go into international break with maximum points on Saturday.

Bayern suffered their first defeat of the season on Thursday. They lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon in Champions League group game. They maintain 100 per cent record in Bundesliga. Carlo Ancelloti will be looking to maintain this record in quest of their fifth successive domestic title.

Ancelloti’s men face a rejuvenated Cologne side. They have enjoyed a great start to the season as they sit fourth in the table with eleven points. Bayern Munich had some scrappy wins in the league this season against Hamburg and Schalke, but they will have to be at their best to beat the inform visitors.

Team News-

The Italian manager admitted that he could make some changes from the team that faced Atletico. He insisted that Arjen Robben has recovered completely and in line to start on Saturday. The Dutchman will get his first start for Bayern Munich since March as he suffered an injury setback at the start of season.

"“Robben’s condition is improving all the time. He’s ready and will start on Saturday.”"

Ancelloti also admitted that there are few concerns about Franck Ribery and Thiago Alcantara. The midfielders suffered knocks in Thursday’s game. He insisted that he will turn to his other members of the squad in order to get fresh legs on the pitch.

"“We will change some players.We need a fresh team to play with high intensity. It’s difficult playing every three days.”“Ribery didn’t train today but he’s just tired. Thiago picked up a knock in Madrid but he trained today and is fine.”"

The likes of Douglas Costa and Holger Badstuber remain the only other players who remain on sidelines for the German Champions.

Must Read: Arjen Robben wants new deal at Bayern Munich

Predicted XI-

There could be only one change in the back five for Bayern Munich. Ancelloti willbring back Mats Hummels to partner Javi Martinez in the heart of the defence after the defender recovered from a minor injury. Manuel Neuer will continue in goal while Philip Lahm and David Alaba will be deployed in fullback roles.

Ancelloti will shuffle a bit in the midfield. He will replace Xabi Alonso with the inform midfielder Joshua Kimmich. Renato Sanches will come in for Thiago and Arturo Vidal will complete the midfield trio for Bayern Munich.Robert Lewandowski will continue to lead the line. Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben will occupy the flanks for the home side.

Bayern Munich- Manuel Neuer; David Alaba,Mats Hummels,Javi Martinez,Philip Lahm; Renato Sanches,Arturo Vidal,Joshua Kimmich; Thomas Muller,Robert Lewandowski,Arjen Robben

Opposition focus-

Cologne have enjoyed a very good start to the season. They are unbeaten in the league till now grabbing three wins and two draws. They have got positive results against FC Schalke and VFL Wolfsburg this season and will be looking to create an upset at Allianz Arena.

Cologne play compact and hurt the opponents on counter. They have not enjoyed a lot of possession in any of the games but they are efficient in front of the goal. Anthony Modeste has been their key player as the striker has scored four goals for them till now. His partnership with Yuya Osaka is one to watch for Bayern Munich. The duo are amongst the goals and create problems for the defence with their movement.