Bayern Munich begin their title defence at Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich begin the quest for the sixth consecutive Bundesliga title with a home game against Bayer Leverkusen.

The new Bundesliga season begins on Friday. Bayern Munich face Bayer Leverkusen at Allianz Arena in the inaugral game of the league. The Bavarians have managed to win it for five consecutive times as Ancelotti begins his first title defence as Bayern manager.

Bayern Munich had a disastrous pre-season tour this year. However they have recovered from it as soon as the competitive games started. The German giants defeated Borussia Dortmund in DFL Supercup and eased into the second round of the DFB Pokal cup with a win over Chemnitzer FC.

On the other hand Bayer Leverkusen will be aiming for a stronger campaign than last term. They finished 12^th in the league last year and it also lead to the sacking of Roger Schmidt. Leverkusen had a poor pre-season campaign where they won only one game.

Team news-

Bayern Munich have some injury concerns ahead of the game of Leverkusen. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his pre-match conference that Manuel Neuer is not fit to play this game despite returning to training.

Jerome Boateng is yet to reach complete match fitness as he continues to make recovery from injury he suffered at the end of campaign. Javi Martinez has started the individual training while James Rodriguez and Thiago Alcantara will required a couple of weeks to be completely fit. Juan Bernat remains the long term absentee as he remains on sidelines for couple of months.

Predicted XI-

Bayern will be able to field a strong eleven despite having numerous injuries. Sven Ulreich will continue to play in the goal due to Neuer’s injury. Ulreich will be accompanied by Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule in the heart of defence. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will occupy the fullback position after the latter returned from injury to get some gametime against Chemnitzer.

Sebastian Rudy is likely to be rewarded for his good performances in midfield with a starting role against Leverkusen. Corentino Tolisso will partner with Rudy as Arturo Vidal has not the complete match fitness right now.

In the forward positions, the veteran duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are likely to start on the flanks. Robben also returned from injury along with Alaba last weekend against Chemnitzer. Thomas Muller will start in the number ten role behind Robert Lewandowski.

Ulreich- Alaba,Hummels,Sule,Kimmich- Rudy,Tolisso- Ribery,Muller,Robben- Lewandowski

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Opposition Focus-

Bayer Leverkusen are likely to be without their star forward Julian Brandt due to minor injury as per the reports in Germany. The visitors will be looking to hurt on counter against Bayern as they will not be able to dominate possession at Allianz Arena.

Brandt was a sole shining light for Bayer Leverkusen in a disappointing season last year. However despite his absence Leverkusen will have players who can hurt on counter. Bayern will have to be vary of the threat from Leon Bailey. The Jamaican has immense pace and trickery to get past his man. Along with this skillset he has a good eye for goal.

Kai Havertz is also another young player to keep an eye on in this game. Along with this duo Stefan Kiessling and Kevin Volland are other forwards who can hurt the Bavarians. Bayern leaked a lot of goals in pre-season games and Ancelotti will be hoping for a better performance from his defence on Friday.

Predictions-

Bayern Munich 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen