How should Bayern Munich shape up against Hoffenheim?

Guillermo Kurten

"Coman – Lewandowski – Robben Thiago – Martinez – Goretzka Alaba – Boateng – Hummels – Kimmich Neuer"

With Manuel Neuer now back from his long spell on the sidelines due to injury, it’s time for him to get as much match exposure under his belt as possible. In order for the Bayern Munich number one to return to his status as the world’s best ‘keeper, Neuer needs the time on the pitch to prove it. He’s the undisputed number one choice for the spot when fit.

As for the backline, nothing will change personnel-wise, unless injury strikes. David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich occupy the flanks and add subsequent width to the attack when the situation calls for it. Ideally, both of them will up their defensive game to track back when necessary as well. Assuming all center-backs are fit, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels will be the rocks in the center, although a Niklas Sule/Mats Hummels combination would be solid as well.

Assuming Niko Kovac decides to field a 4-3-3 formation, the three-man midfield can be Thiago, Javi Martinez and newcomer Leon Goretzka. Javi Martinez will fill the role of defensive-midfielder and act as the spine of Bayern’s midfield. In order to satisfy this position, Javi will be the defensive shield between the midfield and the back line. He’ll help thwart any potential counter-attacks as they present themselves.

Thiago will be the traditional, straightforward central-midfielder pulling the strings and orchestrating the attack with lethal passes from across the pitch. Finally, Leon Goretzka will be the midfield engine that will serve in a more box-to-box role. He’ll help track back in defense to give extra help and drive the attack forward providing an extra passing outlet on the offensive.

Lastly, we have the three-man forward line. Robert Lewandowski is the undisputed central striker in this role. The Polish forward is the biggest goal-scoring threat Bayern Munich posses, despite what his critics may say. He has shown trouble showing up in big matches before, but if anyone can break that rut, it’s him.

As for the two wide forwards/wingers, there should be some definite changes in personnel. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are really starting to show their age. They are not nearly as lethal in their dribbling as they once were when in their prime. Aside from providing a well-placed assist in the German Supercup, Robben had a decent game at best. Meanwhile, Ribery was relatively unproductive going forward and wreaked no havoc on his defensive marker.

This is where Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman come into play. Kingsley Coman has proven for some time now that he is a dynamic and lethal winger in his own right. On his day, he can tear defenders to shreds with his technical ability on the flanks and in the opposition penalty area. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry is the youthful, unproven and ‘new’ addition to the Bayern Munich squad.

In order to properly integrate him into the team and develop him for the future, he needs the playing time to show it. And sacrificing that for two aging wingers is unfair to the youngster, who put up fairly impressive stats last season while on loan. He’s shown that he can be flexible; he can create dangerous offensive plays out wide or down the middle. The start of the season could be a good opportunity to show that talent. Unfortunately this game comes just too early for the young German. Therefore, Robben should start on the right, while Coman goes wide left.