Bayern Munich travel to Wolfsburg on Bundesliga matchday 23
![MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 22: Kingsley Coman of Bayern Muenchen and Paul Johannes Gerardus Verhaegh of Wolfsburg battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on September 22, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 22: Kingsley Coman of Bayern Muenchen and Paul Johannes Gerardus Verhaegh of Wolfsburg battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on September 22, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a0bb569910174dc08024f12f0339971664ea7b355019b075d6ebe3d53a73b01e.jpg)
Bayern Munich travel away to Wolfsburg in Bundesliga play as they look to maintain momentum ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie.
The Bavarians were not in their best form last week as they clinched a narrow victory 2-1 over Schalke. Bayern Munich travel to Wolfsbrug this weekend, as their main focus remains on the coming week’s Champions League game. Jupp Heynckes will be hoping, however, that his players concentrate on the game against Wolfsburg and get the job done at the Volkswagen Arena.
Bayern Munich have been pretty consistent in getting good results in the Bundesliga throughout the past two months. The German Champions have not dropped points since their loss to Borussia Monchengladbach in November. Bayern comfortably sit atop the Bundesliga table with an 18-point lead.
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, are struggling in the Bundesliga this year. They are currently 13th in the league table, just four points above the drop zone. They have been poor at home and a loss this weekend would drag them down into the relegation battle.
Team News
Bayern Munich will go to Wolfsburg with a strong squad. Jupp Heynckes confirmed that there is a complete squad available for Saturday’s game. Manuel Neuer remains on the sidelines, but Heynckes is confident that the German goalkeeper will play for Bayern again this season.
💬 #Heynckes: "@Thiago6 took part in team training as normal and, as I said, he'll start in Wolfsburg. Otherwise, we have a full squad apart from @Manuel_Neuer." #WOBFCB pic.twitter.com/7CW3qJnU0I
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 16, 2018
Thiago Alcantara will make his comeback against Wolfsburg. The Spaniard has been out of action since the end of November, but has been taking part in first team training for the past two weeks. Heynckes confirmed on Friday that the Spaniard will start against Wolfsburg.
Predicted XI
Jupp Heynckes is likely to rotate heavily as Bayern have a crucial midweek game in the Champions League. Sven Ulreich will continue in goal as Heynckes once again affirmed his complete trust in the German goalkeeper on Friday. Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels are likely to form the partnership in the heart of the defense. Juan Bernat and Rafinha will complete the back four by playing the left-back and right-back position respectively.
In the center of the park Sebastian Rudy is likely to get the nod in the holding midfield role. Thiago Alcantara will partner the German midfielder. Corentin Tolisso is likely to be the most advanced midfielder in a three man midfield.
Sandro Wagner may get a chance to start against Wolfsburg. The German striker will lead the line for the Bavarians. Thomas Muller is likely to play on the right flank on Saturday. On the left hand side, Franck Ribery may get an opportunity to feature from the start.
"UlreichRafinha-Sule-Hummels-BernatRudy-ThiagoMuller-Tolisso-RiberyWagner"
Opposition Focus
Wolfsburg desperately need a positive result on Saturday in order to halt their poor form. They have lost seven games at home in the Bundesliga this term. Wolfsburg have won just one of their past five Bundesliga games. They were successful in getting a positive result at the Allianz Arena earlier this season and Martin Schmidt will be hoping his team do the same at home.
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Divock Origi has been the most successful forward for Wolfsburg this season. The Belgian has scored five goals in the Bundesliga. Yunus Malli has also scored five goals from midfield, and he will be hoping to initiate strong counter-attacks against Bayern. The German Champions are overwhelming favorites on Saturday, but they should be wary of Wolfsburg’s talented young players.
Prediction
Wolfsburg 0-4 Bayern Munich