Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday as the two German giants face each other for the second time this week.
Bayern Munich came out victorious on Wednesday in the DFB Cup second round against RB Leipzig. The Red Bulls fought valiantly to take the game to penalties after going a man down in the second half, but it was the Bavarian giants who came out on top.
Bayern Munich have gathered good momentum under Jupp Heynckes. Although the team hasn’t quite hit top gear, they are still grinding out results. Bayern are tied for points with the league leaders Borussia Dortmund, as only their goal difference separates them. Saturday’s match against Leipzig is of the utmost importance for Bayern Munich.
Leipzig delivered a very good performance against Bayern on Wednesday. They clinched the first goal of the game despite being a man down at that moment. The visitors have been fine form in the League for the past few weeks. After getting a win away at Dortmund two weeks ago, they will be hoping to get another positive result on Saturday.
Team News
Bayern Munich will welcome James Rodriguez back into the squad. The Colombian didn’t play on Wednesday due to a minor back problem, but is fit for tomorrow’s clash. Juan Bernat has started training with the first team but still needs some work in training to get himself completely fit.
#Heynckes on @jamesdrodriguez: "He trained as normal again today and will be back in the squad tomorrow." #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/jYaku17tfP
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) October 27, 2017
Thomas Muller is expected to be sidelined for two more weeks despite the initial fear of a lengthy layoff due to the injury he suffered against Hamburg. Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer remain the long term absentees for the Bavarians.
Predicted XI
Sven Ulreich was the hero for Bayern on Wednesday when he saved Timo Werner’s penalty. The German has been delivering some assuring performances across the past few weeks. He will continue to feature in the goal on Saturday. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are likely to be deployed in the heart of defense while Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba slot in the full-back positions.
Javi Martinez returned to action on Wednesday and he will be expected to start in midfield against Leipzig. Thiago Alcantara will partner his fellow Spaniard in the middle of the park and James Rodriguez is likely to get an opportunity in the attacking midfield role.
Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman are not going to get rest anytime soon as Heynckes doesn’t have options to rotate in that position. Robert Lewandowski had a poor game on Wednesday but he will continue to lead the Bayern line.
"UlreichKimmich-Hummels-Boateng-AlabaMartinez-ThiagoRobben-Rodriguez-ComanLewandowski"
Opposition Focus
Bayern Munich were not able to control the midfield against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, but Naby Keita’s dismissal helped them get hold of the game. Keita will again be the key man for Leipzig on Saturday as he dictates the play from deep and also contributes well going forward.
Next: Bayern Munich beat RB Leipzig on penalties- Player Grades
Timo Werner is also expected to start on Saturday. The German will be key for the visitors as his runs will help in stretching the Bayern defense. Emil Forsberg caused problems to Bayern’s defense on Wednesday, and the Swedish playmaker forms a devastating partnership with Werner.
Predictions
Bayern Munich 2-0 RB Leipzig