Bayern Munich face a tricky game in the midweek Bundesliga clash when they face FC Schalke on Tuesday.
The Bavarians got back to winning ways this weekend after a minor setback against Hoffenheim. Bayern Munich delivered a dominant display in a 4-0 win against Mainz on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to maintain this form when they visit Veltins Arena on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich are third in the table, one point behind the joint leaders Hannover and Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians have not been convincing in their first few Bundesliga matches. Hoffenheim provided a stern warning for Ancelotti’s men, and since then they have delivered good performances against Anderlecht and Mainz.
On the other hand, Schalke have enjoyed a very good start to their new campaign. They sit fourth in the table with nine points. With a win over Bayern on Tuesday they will overtake the defending Champions in the league table.
Team News
Bayern Munich suffered a blow on Monday as Manuel Neuer was injured in training. The reports suggests that Neuer could be out for a long time. However, Bayern have announced that after further tests the length of recovery time will be revealed.
Carlo Ancelotti also confirmed in his press conference that Arjen Robben will miss this game due to the flu. The Italian also confirmed that Jerome Boateng will get a break tommorow after making his return from a lengthy injury layoff.
💬 @MrAncelotti: "@ArjenRobben has the flu and will miss tomorrow's game." 🤒 #S04FCB pic.twitter.com/sEARlmssvq
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) September 18, 2017
David Alaba remains out of action, but Ancelotti confirmed that the Austrian could be ready for next week’s Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. Juan Bernat remains the only long term absentee in the squad.
Predicted XI
With Neuer’s injury on Monday, Sven Ulreich is set to start against Schalke. Niklas Sule and Javi Martinez will take up the center-back positions as Mats Hummels played the whole game on Saturday. Joshua Kimmich and Rafinha continue to play in the full-back positions as there is no cover in that position right now.
Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso will form the midfield pairing. Ancelotti admitted in his press-conference that James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller can play together. The German international will take up the attacking midfield position after his good display against Mainz.
Franck Ribery and James Rodriguez are tipped to start on the flanks after Robben was ruled out due to flu. There will be no rest for Robert Lewandowski as the Polish international looks to continue his good goal-scoring start to the season.
"UlreichKimmich – Martinez – Sule – RafinhaRudy – TolissoJames – Muller – RiberyLewandowski"
Opposition Focus
Schalke have been quiet dominant at home this season. They clinched an opening day victory over RB Leipzig at home. They have conceded three goals till now, showing a good resilience at the back. The dovetailing of James Rodriguez and Muller will be key in breaking down this rigid defence.
In the center of the park, Nabil Bentaleb and Leon Goretzka have been impressive for Schalke. The Bavarians lacked imagination and steel in midfield in their last away game in the league. Bayern will have to dominate the midfield in order to gain control of the match. Bentaleb has also scored two goals, showing he’s a real goal-scoring threat from midfield.
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In attacking positions, Schalke have some exciting players who can surprise Bayern. Yevhen Konoplayanka and Franco Di Santo are the players which can cause Bayern’s defense problems on their day. Schalke also have Swiss youngster Breel Embolo who can provide a cutting edge in the final third.
Prediction
Bayern Munich 2-1 Schalke 04