Bayern Munich host stubborn Schalke on Bundesliga matchday 22

Bayern Munich host FC Schalke 04 on Saturday at the Allianz Arena as they look to keep up the momentum ahead of the Champions League knockout stages.

Die Roten have an excellent record against the Ruhr side over the last decade or so. Schalke have not tasted victory against Bayern Munich since the ’10-11 season, winning at the Allianz Arena en route to their DFB Cup triumph.

It has largely been smooth sailing for the German champions this campaign since Jupp Heynckes took over the club. Bayern have only lost on three occasions in their last 32 meetings in all competitions – an exemplary statistic.

The reverse fixture in Gelsenkirchen was no exception to that rule, of course. Bayern were in a period of turbulence under Carlo Ancelotti, but still cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win, thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski, Arturo Vidal and James Rodriguez.

Schalke can, however, take comfort and motivation from the fact they held their rivals to a 1-1 draw in this fixture last season. Die Königsblauen will seriously have to up their game for the visit to the lion’s den again if they are to salvage a result.

Schalke may have defeated VfL Wolfsburg to reach the DFB Cup semi-finals, but they are mired in perilous form. One win in their last five league matches does not make for good reading in the push to reach Europe’s top competition.

The bad patch was rather encapsulated by relegation-threatened Werder Bremen claiming all three points at the very death through Zlatko Junuzovic just last weekend.

Bayern will be looking to make it twelve wins in a row on all fronts – a seemingly uphill task under Ancelotti – in their quest to sew up another Meisterschale in record time.

Team News

Thomas Muller is expected to be fit for the weekend’s clash, despite coming off after half an hour with a knock to the thigh in the resounding Pokal win over 3. Liga side SC Paderborn. The Raumdeuter partook in some ‘aqua jogging’ – as the club put it – as well as playing a full part in the squad training session.

The real great news comes in the form of Thiago Alcantara who, after several months out, is poised to make his long-awaited return to the squad, having played in several team sessions over the last week or so.

The 26-year-old said he is “feeling very good” and believes he is ready when speaking to FC Bayern TV, but Jupp Heynckes believes the match may come a tad too early for the Catalan.

Javi Martínez missed the quarter-final at the Benteler Arena on account of an ankle injury sustained last Friday, but completed full training sessions this week. Jerome Boateng was also absent from a stomach bug and partook in individual drills.

Predicted XI

Robert Lewandowski is likely to retain his place in leading the front line and aims to equal a record set by none other than Jupp Heynckes. In his second spell with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Heynckes scored in the first 11 Bundesliga home matches during the ’72-73 season and the Pole can equal that tally on Saturday, having an excellent record against old rivals Schalke.

Jerome Boateng and Javi Martínez may be thrown into the fray to get back up to speed. Corentin Tolisso should return to the starting line-up, having thoroughly impressed in Thiago’s absence.

Franck Ribéry may take up his place on the left-hand side again – with Arjen Robben opposite – and fill in for Kingsley Coman, after coming off the bench for his countryman on Tuesday night.
James Rodriguez should also remain in the side as a precaution for Thomas Muller’s injury state, and he was also excellent at the Veltins Arena.

All-in-all, Heynckes is likely to name a strong side against the side he formerly managed.

"UlreichKimmich – Boateng – Hummels – AlabaTolisso – MartínezRobben – Rodríguez – RibéryLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Schalke will certainly be up against it with their questionable form. Defeats to RB Leipzig and, in particular, Werder Bremen will likely have knocked the wind out of their small sail.

Still, Bayern should take caution from their struggles at home to Hoffenheim and Bremen, albeit eventually going onto win. Schalke have an adept, tactically astute manager in Domenico Tedesco at the helm, who could opt to press high or defend deep and counter.

Naturally, all eyes will almost certainly be on Leon Goretzka, who joins Bayern this summer on a free transfer. The former VfL Bochum dynamo could come up against Arturo Vidal, who has been widely reported to be the midfielder ousted by the imminent arrival.

As well as Goretzka, Bayern should keep an eye on Maximilian Meyer, with the Knappenschmiede graduate being a revelation this campaign, thanks to plying his trade in a deeper role – showcasing Tedesco’s brilliance.

Their defense has looked like the Achilles heel of the Bavarians, despite Heynckes’ magic. Bayern must be wary of ex-Nürnberger Guido Burgstaller – Schalke’s leading goal-scorer this season – and Naldo, who has a flair for long-range goals and is a serious threat in the air.

Next: Bayern Munich: Robert Lewandowski rubbishes rumors linking him to Real Madrid

Prediction

FC Bayern München 3:0 FC Schalke 04