Bayern Munich Travel To Weserstadion In Gameweek 18
Bayern Munich will be aiming to extend their winning run in Bundesliga as they face Werder Bremen in gameweek 18.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men started the second half of the season on the winning note, with a crucial 2-1 win over Freiburg last week. Bayern Munich will be looking to enjoy the similar away day when they travel to Weserstadion.
The Bavarians are enjoying a very good run of form in Bundesliga. They have gathered a series of win after their 1-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in early December. Bayern will have to continue the run as they only stay three points ahead of second placed RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen have not enjoyed this season. They sit one place above the relegation zone. The home side have just won a single games in past five games at home. Wereder Bremen need a positive result on Saturday in order to remain away from drop zone.
Team News-
Carlo Ancelotti had a mild headache in his midfield selection last week as Thiago Alcantara missed out due to injury. He will be soon in action as he resumes outdoor training. The game against Werder Bremen will be too soon for him.
.@MrAncelotti: "@kingarturo23 and @Thiago6 are not available in Bremen, but they are in my plans for Schalke." #SVWFCB pic.twitter.com/7sqwKq7wLo
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 27, 2017
Arturo Vidal will miss out due to aggravation of a rib injury against Freiburg. The Chile midfielder admitted that he needs to rest to be fit for upcoming games. Kingsley Coman will make his return after making the bench against Freiburg. Jerome Boateng continues to recover from his long term injury.
Predicted XI-
Bayern Munich played against Freiburg a week ago. The Italian will have all the players fresh at his disposal which will avoid any rotation. Ancelotti will stick with Manuel Neuer in the goal. Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez will form the heart of the defence along with Philipp Lahm and David Alaba as fullbacks.
Ancelotti still has good options in midfield despite the absence of Thiago and Vidal. Xabi Alonso will probably form the midfield pivot with Joshua Kimmich. The front four will likely comprise of Douglas Costa, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski.
Neuer- Alaba,Hummels,Martinez,Lahm- Alonso,Kimmich- Costa,Muller,Robben- Lewandowski
Opposition focus-
The Italian manager enjoyed a comfortable 6-0 rout against Bremen when they met at Allainz Arena earlier this season. Werder Bremen will be a tough side to face for Bayern this time due to home advantage. Bremen are fighting to stay in first division and this will motivate them even more to get a good result against Bayern.
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Bayern’s defensive lapse almost cost them a win against Freiburg. They will have to be tight against the likes of Serge Gnabry and Max Kruse. Gnabry has enjoyed a very good season and he can surely trouble Bayern with his pace. Bayern will have to be more efficient in the final third and a shaky defence of Bremen can give them more confidence.