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Bayern Munich face Wolfsburg in a huge Bundesliga match

By Kiran Thakare

Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery (R) and Wolfsburg's Belgian forward Divock Origi (L) compete during the German first division Bundesliga football match VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Bayern Munich at Volkswagen Arena on February 17, 2018 in Wolfsburg, Germany. / AFP PHOTO / Ronny Hartmann / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery (R) and Wolfsburg's Belgian forward Divock Origi (L) compete during the German first division Bundesliga football match VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Bayern Munich at Volkswagen Arena on February 17, 2018 in Wolfsburg, Germany. / AFP PHOTO / Ronny Hartmann / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich face Wolfsburg tomorrow at the Volkswagen Arena in a massively important Bundesliga match.

The international break is over and the spotlight in Germany is back on Bayern Munich. It has been a tough couple of weeks for Niko Kovac, as there has been much speculation about his position at the club. Kovac has the support of the board, however, and he will be now hoping to guide his side back to their winning ways against Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Bayern Munich suffered their second Bundesliga defeat of the season just before the international break when Borussia Monchengladbach clinched a convincing 3-0 win at the Allianz Arena. This defeat resulted in the Bavarians slipping down in the league table. They are currently in sixth, four points off league leaders Borussia Dortmund.

It has been a mixed start to the new season for Wolfsburg, on the other hand. They are ninth in the Bundesliga, but they have struggled in their past few games after starting the season in fine form. Like their visitors, the hosts will be eager to get back to winning ways on Saturday and pile on to Bayern’s misery.

Team News

Niko Kovac received a massive injury boost during the international break when Rafinha and David Alaba returned to first team training. The Brazilian is likely to be included in the matchday squad against Wolfsburg. David Alaba is also expected to feature on Saturday after recovering from a minor hamstring injury.

Leon Goretzka missed the two games for the German national team as he was recovering from a minor injury at Sabener Strasse. Jerome Boateng also trained with the first team despite suffering a knock during Germany’s game against the Netherlands. James Rodriguez is also expected to feature on Saturday despite arriving late from the international break. Corentin Tolisso and Kinsgley Coman remain the long term absentees for Bayern Munich.

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Predicted XI

Manuel Neuer was subject to much criticism for his performances with Germany in the international break. The club hierarchy launched a stern defense of their star goalkeeper in a special press conference on Friday. Neuer will start against Wolfsburg, as he is slowly getting back to his best after making some brilliant saves throughout the past four games. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will slot in the full-back positions on Saturday. Niklas Sule will partner Jerome Boateng in the heart of the defense.

Thiago Alcantara has been a key player for Kovac in the midfield department. The Spaniard has been doing a fine job in his number six role, and he will definitely start against Wolfsburg. Renato Sanches might also be rewarded for his fine form with one more opportunity in the starting lineup. Goretzka received plenty of rest during the international break, so he will likely be the third midfielder in this formation.

Robert Lewandowski has lately struggled to be influential for Bayern Munich. The Polish forward has been an isolated figure in the final third. Despite his poor form, he still remains a vital player for the Bavarians and will lead the line for the defending champions on Saturday. He loves scoring against Wolfsburg, so this match could be perfect for him to get back on track. After a considerable amount of rest during the international break, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will get the nod for the remaining two attacking positions.

"NeuerKimmich-Sule-Boateng-AlabaSanches-Thiago-GoretzkaRobben-Lewandowski-Ribery"

Opposition Focus

Wolfsburg has not exactly enjoyed playing at home this season. They have dropped seven points in just four games at the Volkswagen Arena. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat away from home this season against Hertha Berlin. Wolfsburg have plenty of talented players in their squad to achieve a similar upset on Saturday.

Bayern have struggled to defend on the counter-attack due to lack of pace in their center-back partnership. They will dominate possession against Wolfsburg, so the defensive line needs to have better positional sense to avoid the threat from the counter.

Yunus Malli and Renato Steffen are very good wide players who can hurt Bayern in the final third. Admir Mehmedi has also been in fine form this season and can be a potentially dangerous player for the hosts on Saturday.

Next. Bayern Munich players struggle during the international break. dark

Prediction

Wolfsburg 1-3 Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich desperately need a win and, considering the form of Wolfsburg, I think the visitors will return to Munich with all three points. The defending champions have not been exactly solid at the back lately, though, so I expect Wolfsburg to get a consolation goal.

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