Bayern Munich gear up to face Anderlecht at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in the midweek Champions League clash.
Bayern Munich are slowly returning to top form as they made it eight wins in a row on Saturday. The Bavarians delivered a convincing performance in a 3-0 win over Augsburg. It will be key for Bayern to maintain this momentum till the winter break.
After suffering a heavy defeat against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League, Bayern Munich have bounced back with some good performances. They sealed their spot in the next round after their last Champions League win over Celtic. The Bavarians have very little chance to finish first in the group, but if they want to keep that chance alive, Bayern need a win on Wednesday.
On the other hand Anderlecht are sitting in the fourth position in the group. The Belgian side are yet to open their account in the Champions League this season. It is unlikely that they will be able to beat Celtic for third position in order to play Europa League. The home side have nothing to lose and are playing for their pride in this game.
Team News
Bayern Munich will be without David Alaba and Rafinha for the game against Anderlecht. The duo didn’t travel with the squad due to minor problems. Thomas Muller is not fit to play for now and he was also left out of the travelling squad.
Team news update: @David_Alaba has twisted his back, @R13_official picked up a knock to his ankle in training.
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) November 21, 2017
Jupp doesn't want to take any risks, so they are not travelling to Belgium. #RSCAFCB #MiaSanMia
Thiago Alcantara will be fit for this game after missing out the game against Augsburg due to a knock. There will be a late fitness test for Kingsley Coman as the French forward is recovering from an injury. Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer remain the long term absentees for the German Champions.
Predicted XI
Jupp Heynckes is going to make some changes for this game. However, Sven Ulreich will continue to keep his place in goal. Heynckes confirmed in his press conference that Jerome Boateng will play this game. Niklas Sule is likely to partner his fellow countryman in the heart of defense. Juan Bernat is in line to get his first start of the season at left-back while Joshua Kimmich will slot in on right side.
💬 #Heynckes: "@JB17Official is fit again and will play, #Rudy and @CorentinTolisso will start tomorrow." #RSCAFCB #UCL pic.twitter.com/72YiRr9MtY
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) November 21, 2017
The German also confirmed that Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso will together start this game. Thiago is likely to complete this midfield as Arturo Vidal and Javi Martinez will start on the bench. James Rodriguez is likely to feature on the left flank while Arjen Robben will occupy the right wing. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as the Polish striker is unlikely to be rested.
Opposition Focus
Anderlecht have been struggling in all competitions this year. The Belgian side has not found the net a single time in the Champions League. They sit in third position in their domestic league, nine points behind Club Brugge. They are likely to field a weakened side for this game as they will be aiming to concentrate on their domestic league.
Next: Bayern Munich handed injury boost ahead of Anderlecht clash
Bayern Munich will dominate the game against the Belgian side but they will have to keep an eye on some players. Leander Dendoncker has been impressive for the hosts as the 22-year-old continues to attract interest from top clubs in Europe. In the final third Bayern should keep Henry Onyekuru quiet as he has been the top scorer for the Belgian side.
Prediction
Anderlecht 0- 4 Bayern Munich