Bayern Munich travel to Werder Bremen this weekend in hopes of making it two wins out of two for their new Bundesliga campaign.
The new Bundesliga season is in full swing. Last weekend, reigning champions Bayern Munich kicked-off their campaign with an exciting 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. The Bavarians will be looking to continue in their success as they travel to Werder Bremen on Saturday.
The Rekordmeisters endured a lackluster pre-season, marred by injuries to several first-team players. However, Bayern seem to have shaken off their pre-season rust, and several of those injured have either made their comeback or are ready to do so.
Team News
Last weekend saw the return of both Arturo Vidal and Arjen Robben from their injuries. While the Chilean was included in the starting eleven, his Dutch teammate had to accept an appearance from the bench.
This weekend, the Bavarians have three more players making their long-awaited return from the sidelines. Bayern and Germany skipper Manuel Neuer has completely recovered from his foot injury and is set to make tomorrow’s match his first one of the season.
Spaniards Javi Martinez and Thiago have also returned to full fitness. The duo are likely to still miss out on the starting line-up but could both make appearances from the subs bench.
New signing James Rodriguez remains unfit for this one, but should be ready for selection again after the upcoming international break along with Jerome Boateng. Juan Bernat, meanwhile, is due a lengthier spell on the sidelines and won’t be back for a few months.
Opposition Focus
Just last weekend the Bundesliga green-and-whites suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Hoffenheim. They’ll surely be wanting to bury last weekend’s woes with a victory in their home debut for the season.
However, if last season is any indication, things won’t be so easy for them. Werder Bremen suffered eight home defeats in their last Bundesliga campaign, a club record. Furthermore, Bayern have not lost to Bremen in their past 20 matches, winning the previous 13.
The Bavarians also swooped one of Bremen’s key players over the summer. Bayern Munich activated Serge Gnabry’s release clause and sent him on loan to Hoffenheim. A positive result seems nearly unreachable for Bremen, who will also be without their captain Zlatko Januzovic due to injury.
Predicted XI
Neuer
Kimmich – Hummels – Süle – Alaba
Tolisso – Rudy
Robben – Muller – Ribery
Lewandowski
It’s hard to tell whether Carlo will opt for a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. He’s got plenty of players who deserve the playing time, and giving everyone the minutes they want will be impossible.
Since Arjen Robben didn’t start last weekend, I’d imagine he’ll make the cut for this one. It’s likely he’ll play on the right of an attacking midfield trio with Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery taking the other two spots.
However, the Raumdeuter could make way for Arturo Vidal (or possibly Thiago) if Ancelotti opts for a 4-3-3. Either way, it’s hard to imagine new boys Coco Tolisso and Sebastian Rudy don’t make an appearance given their recent form.
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There’s hardly any option for the back-line other than the one given. And it’s no doubt that Robert Lewandowski will be leading the Bavarians up-front.
Predicted score
Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich