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Bayern Munich host Werder Bremen on Bundesliga matchday 19

By Kiran Thakare

Bayern Munich's Austrian midfielder David Alaba (R) and Bremen's Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie vie for the ball during the German First division Bundesliga football match between Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich in Bremen, northern Germany, on August 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's Austrian midfielder David Alaba (R) and Bremen's Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie vie for the ball during the German First division Bundesliga football match between Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich in Bremen, northern Germany, on August 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich play their first home game of 2018 against the struggling Werder Bremen.

The Bavarians started the new year on a good note as they delivered a clinical performance against Bayer Leverkusen last week. Bayern Munich will be hoping to maintain this form when they host Werder Bremen on Sunday.

Bayern currently sit comfortably at the top of the table with a 13-point lead over RB Leipzig. The German Champions have won their past five games in the Bundesliga. Bayern have not been exactly at their best in these games, though. After their performance last week, however, Jupp Heynckes will be hoping that the team remains in top gear for rest of the campaign.

On the other hand, Werder Bremen have been struggling this year. They are fighting for survival in the Bundesliga. Every point is gold for Bremen and they will be hoping to get a positive result against Bayern on Sunday.

Team News

Bayern Munich were without Robert Lewandowski against Leverkusen. However, the Polish striker is now fit to face Werder Bremen. Mats Hummels remains on the sidelines due to fever but he is likely to be back next weekend. David Alaba is also likely to miss this game due to illness.

There is also some positive news on the long term absentees. Thiago Alcantara is back in training but this game will be too soon for the Spaniard. Manuel Neuer still needs a lot of time to complete his recovery as he is likely to return in March.

Predicted XI

Sven Ulreich will keep his place as he continues to churn out good performances in goal. Joshua Kimmich was voted Germany’s player of the year on Friday. The 22-year-old has been the most consistent performer for Bayern this season. He will occupy the right-back position on Sunday while Juan Bernat will play the left-back role. In the heart of defense, Niklas Sule will partner Jerome Boateng.

In the center of the park, Javi Martinez is likely to be deployed in the defensive midfield role. Arturo Vidal will partner the Spaniard. James Rodriguez will complete the midfield as he will slot in the attacking midfield position. The Colombian was sublime against Bayer Leverkusen last week.

Robert Lewandowski will be back in the starting lineup as he will lead the line for the Bavarians. Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman are likely to feature on the right flank and left flank respectively.

"UlreichKimmich-Boateng-Sule-BernatMartinez-VidalRobben-Rodriguez-ComanLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Werder Bremen have a mountain to climb on Sunday. They have won just one away game this season. The defense has been leaking goals while the forwards have failed to find the back of the net. Jupp Heynckes admitted in the press conference that Bayern cannot afford to underestimate Bremen, though.

Max Kruse has been the top scorer for Bremen this season in the Bundesliga. The away side will be looking to hurt Bayern on set-pieces. Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favorites for this game, but they need to maintain their concentration in order to avoid any upset.

Next: Bayern Munich officially sign young Schalke star Leon Goretzka

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-0 Werder Bremen