Bayern Munich Travel To Berlin In Gameweek 21 Of Bundesliga
Bayern Munich are back in action as they travel to Berlin to face Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga.
The Bavarians can open a lead of ten points over RB Leipzig as the latter play their game on Sunday. Bayern Munich will be hoping that they carry on their good form after a 5-1 mauling of Arsenal in Champions League.
Ancelotti’s men are on a good run of form in Bundesliga as they have been unbeaten in their past nine games. The Italian will be hoping that the defending champions are back to their best as they have been grinding out wins lately in Bundesliga.
On the other hand Hertha Berlin have been suffering a slump as they have won only one of their past four Bundesliga games. They have been enjoying a decent season as they sit sixth in the table with 33 points.
Team News-
Bayern Munich will almost have a full strength squad to face Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng are the only absentees for the visitors. The Frenchman is in contention to be back next week while Boateng needs three more weeks to regain complete fitness.
.@MrAncelotti: "Franck #Ribéry may be fit in time for #HSVFCB. @JB17Official needs three more weeks." pic.twitter.com/mfeLpk2EV9
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 17, 2017
Predicted XI-
Ancelotti admitted in his pre-match press conference that he is going to rotate his team against Hertha Berlin. Manuel Neuer is likely to continue in goal while Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez occupy the centreback positions as there is no depth in that position right now for Bayern. Juan Bernat and Rafinha will feature in fullback positions as David Alaba and Philipp Lahm will get deserving rest.
.@MrAncelotti: "There may be some rotation from the match against @Arsenal." #BSCFCB pic.twitter.com/ijZiHAp23o
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 17, 2017
Next: Bayern Munich Chief Backs Kimmich
The Italian will mix things up in midfield as Joshua Kimmich will likely get a chance to play on Saturday. Ancelotti will rest Xabi Alonso and probably switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Arturo Vidal being the other midfielder with Kimmich. Thomas Muller can get a chance after his goal against Arsenal. The front quartet will be completed with Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben led by Robert Lewandowski.
Neuer-Bernat,Hummels,Martinez,Rafinha- Kimmich,Vidal- Costa,Muller,Robben- Lewandowski
Opposition Focus-
Bayern thrashed Hertha 3-0 at Allianz Arena earlier this season in Bundesliga. Hertha Berlin have notched up eight wins out of their total ten wins in Bundesliga at home. Bayern have lately struggled to breakdown the weaker teams and Berlin can also frustrate them in the similar way on Saturday.
The Bavarians have dominated games but looked vulnerable on counter due to their slow centrebacks. Salomon Kalou and Vedad Ibisevic can cause problems for Bayern on counter. Moreover Hertha have conceded only 23 goals in Bundesliga but they have also scored very less goals.
Prediction- Bayern Munich 3-1 Hertha Berlin