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Bayern Munich face a stern test against Borussia Monchengladbach

By Kiran Thakare

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - MARCH 19: Raffael of Borussia Moenchengladbach and Javi Martinez of Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayern Muenchen at Borussia-Park on March 19, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - MARCH 19: Raffael of Borussia Moenchengladbach and Javi Martinez of Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayern Muenchen at Borussia-Park on March 19, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich face a stern test in the Bundesliga this week as they travel to Borussia Park to face Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Bavarians delivered their worst performance under Jupp Heynckes in his current tenure on Wednesday. Bayern Munich clinched a narrow 2-1 win over Anderlecht, but they were poor for most parts of the game. Heynckes admitted the team conceded way too many chances and must improve.

Bayern will now switch their attention to the Bundesliga as they travel to Borussia Park. The Bavarians have taken the league by storm since Jupp’s return and will be aiming to maintain their six point lead at the top.

Monchengladbach are having a mixed season. They have been been unpredictable both home and away this season. However, they have managed to climb up to fourth in the Bundesliga, two points behind Schalke and RB Leipzig in second and third respectively.

Team News

Bayern suffered a huge blow this week when Thiago Alcantara suffered a major injury against Anderlecht. It has been widely reported that the Spaniard is likely to remain on the sidelines for two-three months. Arjen Robben was also injured against the Belgian side and has been ruled out for the weekend’s game.

Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer are the long term absentees for Bayern Munich. David Alaba and Rafinha are likely to recover from the minor injuries which kept them out on Wednesday. Kingsley Coman is also fit for this game after missing the game against Anderlecht.

Predicted XI

Sven Ulreich delivered a brilliant performance on Wednesday and will continue to stay in goal for Bayern. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will occupy the right-back and left-back roles respectively. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are likely to fill the center-back positions.

Javi Martinez will return to the starting eleven after being used as a substitute in the midweek game. Arturo Vidal is likely to partner the Spaniard in the middle of the park, while Corentin Tolisso will likely play higher up the pitch in the number ten role.

With Robben out due to injury, James Rodriguez will play on the right flank. The return of Kingsley Coman is a boost for Bayern as they have no other genuine attacker fit who can play on left flank. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions.

"Ulreich                  Kimmich – Boateng – Hummels – Alaba                  Martinez – Vidal                    James – Tolisso – Coman                      Lewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Borussia Monchengladbach has won only three games out of six at home this season. They have been decent while going forward but poor while defending. Bayern must be solid at the back in order to stop Monchengladbach.

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There are many interesting players in the home side, but Bayern have to keep a close eye on Lars Stindl and Thorgan Hazard. The midfield/attacking duo have been in fine form this season. Both players have scored four goals in the Bundesliga this season, showing their keen eye for goal. In the attacking third, veteran forward Raffael has been key for the home side.

Prediction

Borussia Monchengladbach 1-3 Bayern Munich

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