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Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen on Bundesliga matchday three

By Kiran Thakare

Muenchen's Robert Lewandowski (C) and Leverkusen's Admir Mehmedi (L) and Charles Mariano Aranguiz (R) vie for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Muenchen and Bayer Leverkusen in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 18 August 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Andreas Gebert/dpa (Photo by Andreas Gebert/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Muenchen's Robert Lewandowski (C) and Leverkusen's Admir Mehmedi (L) and Charles Mariano Aranguiz (R) vie for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Muenchen and Bayer Leverkusen in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 18 August 2017.(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.) Photo: Andreas Gebert/dpa (Photo by Andreas Gebert/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich are set to play their third Bundesliga game of the 2018-19 against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

The International break is over and the Bundesliga is back after a two week layoff. Bayern Munich, sitting atop the German table, will resume their campaign with a home game against Bayer Leverkusen, who only avoid the bottom spot by goal differential.

Bayern have started the season in an almost perfect manner under Niko Kovac. The Croatian is already receiving plaudits from the Bayern hierarchy for his approach with this squad. They have won their first two Bundesliga games and will be looking to maintain this momentum after the international break.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, have endured a disastrous start to their Bundesliga campaign. They were completely outplayed in their first two matches against Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach. Heiko Herrlich is facing the heat for this dismal start, so a positive result against the reigning champions would be crucial.

Team News

Bayern Munich do not have a lot of injury concerns for this game. Mats Hummels has recovered from a minor problem which kept him out of Germany’s friendly against Peru, while James Rodriguez has also achieved match fitness after staying behind in Munich during the international break.

Franck Ribery suffered a knock in training earlier this week, but the Frenchman will be ready for Saturday’s game. Kingsley Coman is the only long term absentee for Bayern, having suffered a serious ligament injury in the Bundesliga opener.

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Predicted XI

Kovac is set to heavily rotate his squad over the next few weeks. Manuel Neuer will start in goal against Leverkusen on Saturday, while Jerome Boateng and Niklas Sule will likely form the partnership in the heart of defense. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will occupy the full-back positions.

Javi Martinez had a complete two week break, so he will be a favorite to start this game in the defensive midfield position. Corentin Tolisso will act as the box-to-box midfielder in the three man midfield, while James Rodriguez will play further forward.

Robert Lewandowski has enjoyed a great start to the season and will look to add to his goal tally against Leverkusen. Serge Gnabry will be in line to make his first competitive start for the Bavarians from left wing. Arjen Robben will complete this front three by slotting in on the right side of attack.

"NeuerKimmich – Sule – Boateng – AlabaRodriguez – Martinez – TolissoRobben – Lewandowski – Gnabry"

Opposition Focus

Bayer Leverkusen are going through a poor run of form, but they have some serious talent in the squad to challenge Bayern on Saturday. The home side will dominate possession, which could work in Leverkusen’s favor. Die Werkself are extremely dangerous on the counter.

Leverkusen have some of Europe’s most highly rated young talents in their attacking department. The likes of Julian Brandt and Leon Bailey can cause serious problems to Bayern’s defense with their pace and trickery. Bayern will have to fight hard for the three points on Saturday despite Leverkusen’s poor form.

Next. Renato Sanches eager to repay Niko Kovac’s trust. dark

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich will not struggle to create many chances against this Leverkusen side, so I fancy them to score two goals and seal a comfortable victory.