How should Bayern Munich shape up against Hoffenheim?

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Will James Rodriguez make it into Niko Kovac’s Bayern Munich starting XI for tomorrow’s Bundesliga opener? (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /

Bayern Munich kick start their Bundesliga campaign on Friday against Julian Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim. Five of our writers gave their suggested lineups for the match.

Benjamin Scott

"Coman – Lewandowski – Muller James – Martinez – Goretzka Alaba – Hummels – Sule – Kimmich Neuer"

With every player except Serge Gnabry available for tomorrow’s Bundesliga opener, Niko Kovac will be able to field an exceptionally strong starting XI. In fact, Bayern Munich should be able to put forth their best lineup against Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

That means a few players have a solidified spot in the side: Manuel Neuer is the undisputed number one between the sticks, while Robert Lewandowski is certain to lead the line for the Bavarians. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba take the full-back positions, while Mats Hummels is a guarantee at center-back. Javi Martinez, meanwhile, slots in at defensive midfield.

That’s six positions taken. The other five could be claimed by any combination of players. James Rodriguez is almost a certainty to feature as long as he’s 100% fit. I’ve chosen him and Leon Goretzka to round out the midfield. The young German has been excellent in preseason and brings versatility and a real attacking threat from midfield.

Goretzka’s inclusion on the right side of a three-man midfield also allows Thomas Muller to slot in on the right flank. The Raumdeuter, working in tandem with Goretzka and Kimmich on the right, would be given more freedom to roam inside and be less expected to widen the field. That job belongs to Kingsley Coman, who should be a guaranteed starter. He takes up the left wing role for me.

Finally, Der Panzer Niklas Sule gets the nod ahead of Jerome Boateng as Mats Hummels’ partner in central defense. The 22-year-old could be set for a breakout season in the Bavarian capital, and he begins his quest to solidify himself as a first-choice starter tomorrow.

Kiran Thakare

"Lewandowski Coman-James-Robben Martinez – Thiago Alaba – Hummels – Sule – Kimmich Neuer"

Hoffenheim has been a tough team to crack for Bayern Munich in the last couple of seasons. As Niko Kovac has a nearly complete squad for this game, Manuel Neuer will keep his place in the starting eleven. It’s a big boost for Bayern to have their captain ready for the new season after being out for the whole of their last campaign.

Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule should be the pairing in the heart of defense. Jerome Boateng is set to stay at the club, but it is the right time for Sule to become a first choice center-back after a good debut season. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba slot in the full-back positions for this game.

Bayern’s midfield department is stacked with some of the best players in Europe. A three-man midfield is the ideal setup for the Bavarians right now. Javi Martinez occupies the role of holding midfielder, while Thiago Alcantara is the number eight in this formation. James Rodriguez is the third midfielder in this system. The Colombian can drop deep to play as a more traditional central midfielder or stay forward as an attacking midfielder.

Kingsley Coman is my first choice left winger in this formation. The Frenchman should nail down a place in the starting XI and Franck Ribery used judiciously throughout the season. Coman has all the attributes to be an ideal successor for his fellow countryman. Arjen Robben slots in the right wing position, while Robert Lewandowski leads the line for the Bavarians. The former is entering the twilight of his career, but still remains a lethal player on the right flank.