Bayern Munich Play At Allianz Arena For the First Time In 2017
Bayern Munich play their first home game of 2017 as they host FC Schalke in Bundesliga on Saturday.
The Bavarians had two consecutive away fixtures in Bundesliga aftyer the winter break ended. Bayern Munich were not at their best in the games against Freiburg and Werder Bremen, but they were to able to hold on to two crucial away wins.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won seven games on the trot in Bundesliga, which will give them a lot of confidence ahead of crucial fixtures. Bayern have been decent at home in Bundesliga apart from odd 1-1 draws against Hoffenheim and FC Koln, they have won all the games at Allianz Arena.
On the other hand FC Schalke have a poor record way from home. They have won just once while suffered defeats five times away from home in Bundesliga this year. Schalke have been oscillating between the midtable this year.
Team News-
Ancelotti will welcome Thiago Alcantara back into the squad as the Spaniard returns from injury. The midfield will also receive another boost as Arturo Vidal is also back to complete fitness after aggravating a rib injury against Freiburg.
.@MrAncelotti: "#Kimmich has a cold and will miss out, as will @JB17Official and #Ribéry." #FCBS04
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 3, 2017
Joshua Kimmich will miss the game against Schalke while Franck Ribery is sidelined for two weeks. Jerome Boateng remains the only injured player in the defensive part of the squad. The German international has resumed outdoor training.
Predicted XI-
Ancelotti will be able to stick with the same back five for the third game in a row. Manuel Neuer will protect the goal with the help of Philipp Lahm, David Alaba and the two central defenders Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez. The Italian is more likely to make changes to the back four in the midwek DFB Pokal tie.
He will have to make key decisions to make in midfield. Ancelotti will not rush Thiago straightaway, so it is likely the midfiel pivot will comprise of Xabi Alonso and Vidal. Ribery’s injury will allow Douglas Costa to start on the left flank while Arjen Robben will play on the right. Thomas Muller will start the third game in a row, playing as an attacking midfielder behind Robert Lewandowski.
Neuer- Alaba,Hummels,Martinez,Lahm- Alonso,Vidal- Costa,Muller,Robben- Lewandowski
Opposition Focus-
Schalke have been enduring an up and down form in past few matches. They have won one game while lost the other after the winter break. Bayern will have many chances against Schalke’s defence, but will have to increase the frequency of creation of chance.
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The visitors have not scored many goals this campaign and their majority goals have come from midfield. Yevheniy Konoplyanka and Nabil Bentaleb can ask serious questions to Bayern’s defence who concede frequently. Klaas Jan Huntelaar is not having a good season, but on his day he can surely be a big threat to Bayern on set pieces as Schalke will be looking to make the most of setpieces.