Bayern Munich gear up to face SC Paderborn in the DFB Cup quarter-finals

Bayern Munich face 3. Liga leaders SC Paderborn in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup on Tuesday.

The Bavarians will play their second away game in four days when they travel to SC Paderborn for their DFB Cup quarter-final match-up on Tuesday. Bayern Munich delivered a solid performance against Mainz on Saturday. The German giants will be targeting another convincing win on Tuesday in order to reach the semi-finals of the DFB Cup.

Bayern Munich reached the quarter-final stage with an impressive win over Borussia Dortmund in December. They also defeated RB Leipzig in the second round of the competition. The Bavarians failed to win this trophy last season as they were knocked out in the semi-final stage.

SC Paderborn, meanwhile, are enjoying a dream campaign this season. The home side sit at the top of the table in the third division. Paderborn have been impressive in the DFB Pokal. They will be hoping to provide a good contest on Tuesday against the Bundesliga Champions.

Team News

Jupp Heynckes is likely to rotate his squad on Tuesday, but he will be without some key players. Jerome Boateng has been ruled out for this game due to illness, and Javi Martinez continues to recover from a small injury which has kept him out of the last two games.

Arturo Vidal is back in training after missing Saturday’s game due to illness. Thiago Alcantara continues to train with the first team, but he is not completely fit to play against Paderborn. Manuel Neuer is yet to train with the team. Still doing light individual training, the German goalkeeper targets a return to action next month.

Predicted XI

Jupp Heynckes confirmed in his press conference that Sven Ulreich will play against SC Paderborn. The German goalkeeper is not going to get rest in the cup tie as he continues to deliver impressive performances. Niklas Sule is likely to partner Mats Hummels in the heart of defense in the absence of Boateng. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba are likely to return back to the starting XI after being rested on Saturday.

Sebastian Rudy is likely to keep his place in midfield as Javi Martinez is ruled out due to injury. After missing out on Saturday, Vidal is likely to start in the midfield. Thomas Muller will likely feature in the number ten role as James Rodriguez gets a rest.

Robert Lewandowski is likely to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Mainz. Arjen Robben will play on the right hand side of the Polish striker, while Kingsley Coman will play on the left flank.

"UlreichKimmich-Sule-Hummels-AlabaRudy-VidalRobbern-Muller-ComanLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

SC Paderborn have been brilliant in the 3. Liga as they target a promotion to the second division. They are unbeaten in the past six games across all competitions. Paderborn play with intensity and tend to score a lot of goals. They have lost just one home game this season.

Sven Michel has been the key forward for Paderborn. The German striker has scored 10 goals this season in and he has been supported well by Massih Wassey and Ben Zolinski. Bayern Munich are the firm favorites, but Paderborn will be looking to give them a run for their money in front of the home fans.

Next: Three Takeaways as Bayern Munich put two past Mainz

Prediction

Paderborn FC 0-4 Bayern Munich