Bayern Munich host FC Koln in the penultimate Bundesliga game of 2017

Bayern Munich host FC Koln in a midweek Bundesliga clash as the Bavarians aim to build upon their lead atop Germany’s top flight.

Bayern Munich go into the upcoming winter break as league leaders regardless of the results in their two remaining matches. The Bavarians ended a good week with a scrappy 1-0 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayern Munich have been in fine form in the Bundesliga since October when Jupp Heynckes rejoined the club. They have lost only once in the past two months when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach. Bayern have a comfortable eight point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Thursday’s opposition are looking to get their first win in the Bundesliga this season. FC Koln are in deep trouble as they sit 18^th in the Bundesliga. They are 11 points behind 17^th placed Werder Bremen. It will be difficult for them to survive in the Bundesliga if they don’t start getting results in their favor soon.

Team News

Bayern Munich have few fresh injury concerns for the clash against FC Koln. Sven Ulreich is going to miss this game but is likely to return by Saturday. Juan Bernat is still recovering from the muscle problem and will miss another game.

Along with Bernat, Arjen Robben continues to remain on the sidelines as he is yet to complete his recovery from a minor injury. Manuel Neuer talked about his rehabilitation process earlier this week, and he remains a long term absentee along with Thiago Alcantara.

Predicted XI

Tom Starke featured in goal on Saturday for the first time since coming out of retirement. The German is set to start once again against FC Koln on Thursday. Heynckes also admitted in his press conference that Mats Hummels is likely to play this game. He is likely to feature alongside Jerome Boateng in the heart of defense.

Joshua Kimmich deserves some rest and this is the perfect game for the 22-year-old to do just that. David Alaba and Rafinha will most probably play in the full-back positions. The midfield could also be shuffled a bit, as Sebastian Rudy will play the holding midfield position. James Rodriguez and Corentin Tolisso will probably complete the three man midfield.

In the attacking department, Heynckes is likely to make only one change from the weekend. Robert Lewandowski will come back in the team and lead the line for the Bavarians. Franck Ribery and Kingsley Coman will keep their places on the left and right flank respectively.

"StarkeRafinha-Boateng-Hummels-AlabaRodriguez-Rudy-TolissoComan-Lewandowski-Ribery"

Opposition Focus

The visitors are in the worst possible situation in the Bundesliga right now. They have been battered by all teams they have faced in the Bundesliga. Koln sacked Peter Stoger last month and appointed Stefan Rutheback as their new manager. Their slump continued, however, despite their managerial change.

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Koln blew away a three goal lead at home against Feiburg on Sunday. It will be a tough task for them to get a positive result on Wednesday when visiting the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich must not be comlacent, though. The Bavarians will have to keep an eye on Sehrou Guirassy. He has been the top scorer for Koln in the Bundesliga with four goals.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-0 FC Koln