Bayern Munich travel to Cologne for final Bundesliga away game
With the title already well under wraps, Bayern Munich travel to face relegation-bound FC Koln in the penultimate game of the Bundesliga campaign.
After a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign, Bayern Munich switch their attention to the final games of the Bundesliga season. The Bavarians travel to Cologne in the penultimate matchday of this season. This is also the final away game of the season for the German champions.
Bayern Munich delivered a spirited performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday. However, that effort was not enough as the Spanish giants booked their place in the finals. Bayern have a chance to complete a double this season, as they will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal final. They have two Bundesliga games before the final, as they will be aiming to finish the season on a positive note.
Just like Bayern, Koln also have nothing to play for in the final two games of the Bundesliga. The hosts have already secured their relegation spot and are likely to end up with the wooden spoon in the league table. Koln will be hoping to put in a good performance for the fans, as they bid farewell to the Bundesliga for the next year.
Team News
Bayern Munich will be without many key players for this game. Arjen Robben is unlikely to be fit, while Jupp Heynckes also gave an update on Kingsley Coman. The Frenchman has returned to training but is still far away from complete fitness.
The season is already over for Arturo Vidal and Jerome Boateng. Manuel Neuer is now completely training with the first team but is unlikely to play against Koln. Jupp Heynckes will probably include a few younger players in the squad so that he can rest some veterans.
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Predicted XI
Bayern Munich gave a lot of young players a chance against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. It is likely that they will follow that route for this game too. Sven Ulreich had a torrid time against Real Madrid, but the German will start in goal on Saturday. Lukas Mai and Niklas Sule will occupy the center-back positions. Rafinha and Juan Bernat will probably slot in the full-back positions.
Sebastian Rudy is likely to start in the holding midfield position. The German is likely to be accompanied by Niklas Dorsch in the center of the park. James Rodriguez will complete the midfield by slotting in the attacking midfield position.
Robert Lewandowski is likely to get a rest after a draining game against Real Madrid. Sandro Wagner will lead the line for the visitors. Thomas Muller will probably play on the right flank, while Frank Evina slots on the left hand side.
"UlreichRafinha-Mai-Sule-BernatRudy-DorschMuller-Rodriguez-EvinaWagner"
Opposition Focus
Koln has endured a miserable campaign, as they are set to be relegated to the second division. They had something to cheer last week, though, when Jonas Hector pledged his future to the club despite their relegation. Koln will be eager to put up a performance for their fans at home for the last time this season.
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The hosts have struggled in both the boxes this season. However, they have some very good players that can be dangerous on their day. Simon Terodde is the player to watch as the German has scored seven times for Koln in the Bundesliga. Apart from him, Yuya Osaka and Leonardo Bittencourt are the players to watch in this Koln side.
Prediction
FC Koln 0-3 Bayern Munich