What to watch as Bayern Munich face RB Leipzig twice in one week

Bayern Munich face RB Leipzig twice in the space of four days. What should you be watching in the important DFB Cup and Bundesliga ties?

Who wins the midfield battle?

As is the case with most modern soccer matches, these two games could be decided by what takes place in the midfield. Bayern Munich have one of the deepest midfield line-ups in all of Europe. Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal, James Rodriguez and Sebastian Rudy are all among the best midfielders in Europe. Corentin Tolisso, although still developing, has serious potential as well.

Javi Martinez too might just be moving back to the midfield on a somewhat permanent basis thanks to the return of Jupp Heynckes. Martinez played expertly as a defensive mid in Jupp’s first match back in charge, but left the game early with a shoulder injury and has been sidelined since. It’s still uncertain whether or not he’ll be healthy for either of the Leipzig clashes (particularly the first).

Leipzig, though not quite as blessed as their Bavarian opposition, have their fair share of midfield talent. Naby Keita is one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders. Emil Forsberg has the ability to unlock any defensive line with his creative dribbling and passing on his day. Kevin Kampl, Marcel Sabitzer and Diego Demme may not be the most well-known names, but to underestimate them could be a dire mistake for die Roten.

If Heynckes’ midfield men are on their game and playing to their best, Bayern should simply have too much quality for the Red Bulls. However, if Thiago and co. aren’t quite up to the challenge, the Bavarians could be in for a tough time in the next couple matches.

Will Leipzig’s youthful pace and energy be too much for Bayern’s back line?

Moving away from the midfield, RB Leipzig’s attack is full of youthful speed and energy capable of besting even the most composed defensive lines. Unfortunately, a composed defensive line is not something Bayern Munich have been in recent times.

Sure, the Bayern Munich defense has looked a little more solid since Jupp Heynckes began his fourth tenure as manager. But Freiburg, Celtic and Hamburg are hardly the toughest of opponents, none possessing an attacking force with nearly the pace and power of Leipzig’s front line.

Timo Werner — now die Mannschaft’s preferred number nine — is a fantastic young striker. He will prove the toughest test for Bayern Munich’s defense across the two games. Although not quite on the level of his German teammate, Yussuf Poulsen is a threat all on his own as well. And new signings Jean-Kevin Augustine and Bruma only add to the threat of RBL’s attack.

Over the past several seasons, Bayern have struggled severely against teams who press high and attack with pace. And that’s exactly what the Red Bulls do. This week’s two big matches will give a firm indication whether or not Jupp Heynckes can truly turn this Bayern back line into a solid defensive unit.

Can James Rodriguez step up in Thomas Muller’s absence?

In case you haven’t heard the shocking news, Thomas Muller picked up an injury in his five-minute cameo during this past weekend’s Hamburg clash. Yes, you read that right. Thomas Muller is injured. And per a report from Bayern Munich’s website will be sidelined for the next three weeks.

This injury blow comes at just about the worst possible time, as Muller has been fantastic since Jupp Heynckes took over as manager once again. Nevertheless, he’s injured and will miss both Leipzig clashes. Fortunately for Heynckes, Bayern have a ready made replacement in their ranks thanks to some smart summer spending.

James Rodriguez, on-loan from Real Madrid for this season and the next, is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. Although Muller’s injury is an unfortunate event for the team as a whole, this could provide Bayern’s new Colombian star with a much-needed opportunity to prove his worth, both to his new manager and the Bayern faithful.

James has given a mixed bag of performances since making the move to Munich. He was phenomenal in die Roten’s Bundesliga victory over Schalke 04 on match day five. Against Hamburg this past weekend, though, the Colombia international was completely invisible.

There’s no disputing James’ talent. He simply needs a kick-start to his Bayern Munich career, and a good display in either of the upcoming Leipzig matches would give him exactly that.

Will Bayern’s young stars continue their fantastic form?

One player who has really stepped up since Heynckes arrived at the club is Kingsley Coman. The Frenchman has been excellent in each of his last three performances, each game seemingly more impressive than the last. A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Coman must step up in the absence of Franck Ribery, and the young man has done just that.

Prior to that, Joshua Kimmich was one of a select few glimmers of hope in an otherwise hopeless campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. The wunderkind has kept up his form with Jupp Heynckes, and — like Coman — seems to be improving with each match played.

Despite their tender age, both are proving to be vitally important members of Bayern’s squad. Take nothing away from Franck Ribery and Philipp Lahm as legends of the game. However, their respective understudies are taking over their reins with much more poise than many expected.

Joshua Kimmich will no doubt look forward to this match, having played for RB Leipzig prior to his move to Munich. Coman, although not a former Red Bull, will be excited for yet another opportunity to prove himself, this time against one of Germany’s top clubs.

Next: Bayern Munich: Franck Ribery's injury is more heart-breaking than knee-tearing

It may be Leipzig who are known for the youthful talent of their squad, but Coman and Kimmich will both be ready to prove the Red Bulls aren’t the only team in Germany who possess some of Europe’s top young talent within their ranks. Keep an eye on these two, as they could prove the difference makers in this match much like they both already have in several of Bayern’s games so far this season.