Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund n the semifinal of DFB Pokal Cup on Wednesday.
The Bavarians were emphatic winners in the Der Klassiker a couple of weeks ago. Bayern Munich are looking to get into the final of the DFB Pokal cup for the sixth consecutive year. They have won the trophy three times in the past five final appearances.
Bayern have endured a dip in form in the past couplke of weeks after the 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. They suffered defeats against Real Madrid in both legs and were held for two draws in Bundesliga. The Bavarians still remain in firm control at the top of Bundesliga with a lead of eight points with four games to go.
Borussia Dortmund suffered similar fate in Champions League as they were knocked out of Champions League by Monaco. They recorded wins in Bundesliga and will be looking to get atleast one silverware in form of DFB Pokal cup this season.
Team News-
Bayern Munich will probably have players returning from minor knocks for this game. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his press conference that Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng are fit for the game. He insisted that he will make a late call on David Alaba if he is fit for the game.
💬 @MrAncelotti: "@David_Alaba has had some problems in training. We'll see if he can make it tomorrow." #FCBBVB pic.twitter.com/LgVzwPERt2
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 25, 2017
Manuel Neuer remains the only long term absentee in the squad. Apart from that, there are no injury concerns in midfield and attack for Bayern Munich. The key players will be fresh as they were rested in Saturday’s game against Mainz.
Predicted XI-
Ancelotti will be field his strongest eleven on Wednesday. Sven Ulreich will continue to be in the goal in the absence of Manuel Neuer. Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels will form the centreback pairing. Philipp Lahm will occupy the rightback position while Juan Bernat is lkely to feature at leftback due Alaba’s injury.
The first choice midfield trio of Arturo Vidal, Thiago Alcantara and Xabi Alonso will be back against Dortmund. There are still fitness issues surrounding Robert Lewandowski, but Bayern are likely to play him on Wednesday. He will lead the attack comprising Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Ulreich- Bernat,Hummels,Martinez,Lahm- Alonso,Thiago,Vidal- Ribery,Lewandowski,Robben
Next: Bayern Munich Should Sign Alexis Sanchez
Opposition focus-
Dortmund are a dangerous opposition on their day. The visitors will probably sit deep and hit Bayern on counter. Bayern’s defence has been fragile throughout the season as they have leaked sloppy goals which has cost them points in Bundesliga.
The likes of Pierre Emrick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele will be the players to watch on Wednesday. Dortmund have their confidence boosted as captain Marco Reus will also be fit for this game. Bayern will have their chances as Dortmund are poor defensively. The Bavarians will have to defend deep and cannot get complacent in the game even if they have a two goal lead.
Prediction-
Bayern Munich 3-2 Borussia Dortmund