Bayern Strikes
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Bayern Munich need a good win against Borussia Monchengladbach

ByKiran Thakare|
Bayern Munich's Sandro Wagner (L) and Borussia Moenchengladbach's Denis Zakaria battle for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 14 April 2018. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa - 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 by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's Sandro Wagner (L) and Borussia Moenchengladbach's Denis Zakaria battle for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 14 April 2018. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa - 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 by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Bayern Munich are set to host Borussia Monchengladbach in Bundesliga play on Saturday and need a good result against their bogey side.

The Bavarians will play at the Allianz Arena for the second time this week when they host Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday for the final Bundesliga game before the next international break. Bayern Munich were thoroughly outplayed by Ajax on Tuesday in the Champions League. The Dutch team came close to winning the game, but eventually left with one point.

Bayern are currently enduring a difficult phase under Niko Kovac, as they have dropped points in both of their last two Bundesliga games. The defending champions suffered their first defeat of the season against Hertha Berlin last week after drawing their prior match against Augsburg. Bayern are now second in the Bundesliga table, trailing leaders Borussia Dortmund by a point.

Borussia Monchengladbach have enjoyed a fine start to the new Bundesliga season. Gladbach sit fourth in the league, having only one defeat this season. The visitors can leapfrog Bayern in the league table if they clinch a victory at the Allianz Arena.

Team News

Niko Kovac received a boost for Saturday’s game as Mats Hummels has been declared fit for the match. The German defender suffered a head injury on Tuesday against Ajax, and after missing a couple of training sessions, Hummels was able to train again with team on Friday.

Leon Goretzka is completely fit now and could feature against the Foals. The German midfielder missed the game against Hertha Berlin and remained an unused substitute against Ajax. Rafinha, meanwhile, has started training with the team, but this game comes too soon for the Brazilian full-back. Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso remain the long term absentees for Bayern Munich.

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Predicted XI

After a disappointing result against Ajax, Kovac is likely to make many changes in his starting lineup on Saturday. Manuel Neuer delivered his best performance of the season on Tuesday and will undoubtedly keep his place in the team. Niklas Sule will come back in the team and likely partner Jerome Boateng in central defense. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will get no rest and slot in their respective full-back positions.

Thiago Alcantara has become the main man for Kovac in midfield. The Spaniard has been delivering  good performances in a holding midfield role. Thiago will be partnered with Goretzka in the center of the park against Monchengladbach. Thomas Muller will make way for James Rodriguez in the starting lineup. The Colombian will operate in the attacking midfield position.

Kovac cannot make a lot of changes in his attack despite the poor performances of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery on Tuesday. The Dutchman is likely to keep his place in the team and play on the right side of the attack. Serge Gnabry will get a chance to impress Kovac on Saturday, though, as he will be deployed on the left flank. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home side.

"NeuerKimmich-Sule-Boateng-AlabaJames-Thiago-GoretzkaRobben-Lewandowski-Gnabry"

Opposition Focus

Borussia Monchengladbach have been impressive on their home turf, but struggled to get a win on their away trips. Bayern are struggling at the moment, however, and the visitors have the right tools to deepen their misery on Saturday. They possess the capability to hurt Bayern on the counter, so the Bavarians should be wary of playing a high line on Saturday.

Thorgan Hazard and Alassane Plea are the key players for Monchengladbach in the final third. The duo have a combined seven goals in between them this season in thr Bundesliga. Jonas Hoffman and the recently fit Lars Stindl are both midfielders who can cause Bayern lots of problems. The Bavarians need to start the game on the front foot or else they might struggle to break down Monchengladbach as the game goes deeper.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2-0 Borussia Monchengladbach

After a tough ten days, expect Bayern to go guns-blazing against Borussia Monchengladbach. Kovac will make numerous changes, and the players selected will be eager to show the manager that they deserve to play regularly. It will not be an emphatic victory, but I am expecting a dominating performance from Kovac’s men.