The Bundesliga resumes after the year’s final international break as Bayern Munich host Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Bayern Munich went into the break on a positive note when they clinched a convincing 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians are gaining good momentum as they enter the final phase of the hinrunde.
Jupp Heynckes has steadied the ship at Bayern in his just one month in charge. The Bavarians are looking solid defensively but they are yet to hit the top gear in the final third. They have regained the top spot in the Bundesliga with a four-point lead. Bayern have also booked their place in further rounds of cup competitions.
Bayern’s opponents on Saturday have been enjoying a great season till now. Augsburg are sitting at 10th in the Bundesliga, just two points behind the sixth placed Hannover. However, lately Augsburg have hit a rough patch of form as they have only one win in their past six league games.
Team News
Jupp Heynckes will have a few players returning back to action on Saturday. Franck Ribery has started training with the group but Saturday’s game will come too soon for the Frenchman. Juan Bernat also told the club’s official channel that he will be fit for the game against Augsburg. The Spaniard has been out since the pre-season tour in July.
Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba are likely to be fit for this game, after the duo didn’t feature for their countries during the international break. Thomas Muller is still not yet fit, but Manuel Neuer remains the only long term absentee for the Bavarians.
Predicted XI
Sven Ulreich has done a fine job in the goal in Neuer’s absence and he will start against Augsburg. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are likely to feature in the heart of defense. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba are tipped to play the full-back roles in the starting eleven, even with Bernat’s return.
Javi Martinez was not active for Spain on international duty and he will instantly slot in the defensive midfield role. With Thiago absent due to a knock to his knee, Sebastian Rudy is likely to partner Martinez in the center of the park. James Rodriguez returned early from the international break. The Colombian is the favorite to play the attacking midfield role against Augsburg.
The attacking line has been the same for the past few games in the absence of Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery. They are not fit for the game against Augsburg. Heynckes is likely to go again with Arjen Robben, Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandowski as the attacking trio on Saturday.
"UlreichKimmich-Boateng-Hummels-AlabaRudy-MartinezRobben-James-ComanLewandowski"
Opposition Focus
Augsburg has not been at their best in the past few games but Bayern should avoid complacency against them. The visitors have been leaking a lot of goals, but on their day they can surprise a big team like Bayern.
They have an identical record at home and away from home. Bayern Munich are going to dominate possession against Augsburg but should avoid any defensive lapses. Michael Gregoritsch has been a key player for Augsburg in the midfield. He has also been their top scorer in the league with five goals. Apart from him, Alfred Finnbogason is the player Bayern should keep quiet in the final third.
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Predictions
Bayern Munich 3-0 Augsburg