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Bayern Munich host Borussia Monchengladbach in Bundesliga play

By Kiran Thakare

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25: Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen and Raffael of Borussia Moenchengladbach battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and FC Bayern Muenchen at Borussia-Park on November 25, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25: Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen and Raffael of Borussia Moenchengladbach battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and FC Bayern Muenchen at Borussia-Park on November 25, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich host Borussia Monchengladbach at the Allianz Arena on Bundesliga matchday 30.

It has been an eventful 24-or-so hours for Bayern Munich. The club earlier announced Niko Kovac as their manager for next season. They are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals as the draw also took place this morning. New details have also emerged about the futures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. The duo are also set to extend their stay at the club for another season.

However, Bayern’s attention will now switch to the weekend’s Bundesliga game against Borussia Monchengladbach. The Bavarians clinched the Bundesliga title last weekend after a convincing win over Augsburg. Jupp Heynckes is unlikely to take this games lightly, though, as they need to maintain momentum before some crucial cup games.

Borussia Monchengladbach have even higher motivation to get a positive result from this game. The visitors are eighth in the Bundsliga table, six points out of European qualification. They were able to defeat Bayern in the reverse leg of this fixture, and they will hoping to achieve a similar feat on Saturday.

Team News

Bayern Munich will be without Arturo Vidal for this game. The Chilean is expected to be back in training next week. There will be a late fitness test for David Alaba. The Austrian full-back was not able to play against Sevilla earlier this week.

Jupp Heynckes is also likely to make a late call on Arjen Robben. The Dutchman is carrying a knock from the game against Sevilla. Manuel Neuer is not yet ready to feature for Bayern, while Kingsley Coman is still recuperating from the serious ankle injury he suffered in February.

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Predicted XI

Heynckes will try to give the fringe players spme much-needed gametime tomorrow. Sven Ulreich will keep his place in goal. Niklas Sule will probably partner Jerome Boateng in the heart of defense. Rafinha and Juan Bernat are likely to slot in the full-back positions.

Sebastian Rudy will probably get a chance to play in the holding midfield role, which will give Javi Martinez his deserved break. Corentin Tolisso and Thiago Alcantara are likely to complete the three-man midfield.

Sandro Wagner is likely to lead the line for Bayern. The German striker is likely to be accompanied by Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller. Rotation is key in the attacking department, as Bayern have limited options due to Coman’s injury.

"UlreichRafinha-Boateng-Sule-BernatTolisso-Rudy-ThiagoRobben-Wagner-Muller"

Opposition Focus

Monchengladbach have been enduring a start-stop season. They have won only one of their past five Bundesliga games. The visitors have a tough run of games in the final phase of the season. Thorgan Hazard has been the best player for Monchengladbach this season. The Belgian has scored nine goals in the Bundesliga.

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Along with Hazard, Lars Stindl and Raffael are two players the Bavarians must monitor on Saturday. Bayern were not efficient on Wednesday against Sevilla. The Bavarians would like to up their game in the final third before facing Real Madrid, and the game on Saturday will be the right opportunity to build some momentum.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3-0 Borussia Monchengladbach