Bayern Munich resume their title charge against Freiburg

Bayern Munich travel to Freiburg tomorrow to play their first game in a busy couple of months that will conclude the 2018-19 season.

The final international break of the season has now come to an end, and clubs can now focus on the final phase of the season. Bayern Munich suffered the most disappointing result of their season just before the international break, when they were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool in the round of 16. The defending Bundesliga champions will now focus on retaining their league title and winning the DFB Pokal for the first time in over two years. They will first resume their title charge with a match against Freiburg on Saturday.

Bayern’s disappointment is Europe hardly affected their form in the league. They bounced back in a smashing way against Mainz, scoring at least five goals for the third consecutive league game. Die Roten are back at the top of the league thanks to their superior goal differential over Borussia Dortmund. They need a big win this weekend to prime them for their clash against their rivals next Saturday.

Freiburg will be a tricky opposition for Bayern on Saturday. They have had a decent season thus far and are comfortably above the relegation places. The home side has not been winning their games recently, but they have proven a very difficult side to beat, losing only three games at home this season and only one of their last seven Bundesliga games.

Team News

Bayern Munich didn’t suffer any major injury blows during the international break. David Alaba and Kingsley Coman returned early from their international duty with minor knocks, but they have both recovered from their injuries and trained with the first team on Thursday. Corentin Tolisso also began training with his teammates this week, but this game will come too soon for the Frenchman.

Alphonso Davies didn’t train with the first team this week and is a doubt for the game on Saturday. The teenager withdrew from his international games with Canada after suffering a minor injury against Mainz two weeks ago. Arjen Robben continues to remain on the treatment table, and Niko Kovac refused to give any time scale for the Dutchman’s return.

Predicted XI

Niko Kovac will avoid heavy rotation in the next two months as Bayern target two domestic trophies. Manuel Neuer was at his best for Germany against the Netherlands last weekend. The German goalkeeper will be hoping he maintains his form when he starts against Freiburg on Saturday. Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule will form the partnership in central defense, while Joshua Kimmich and Rafinha will occupy the right-back and left-back positions, respectively.

Thiago Alcantara was a surprise absentee in the Spanish squad during the international break. Bayern will not complain about his omission, though, as their key midfielder deservedly got some rest. The Spaniard will start against Freiburg and partner his compatriot Javi Martinez in the center of the park. The Spanish duo has been in exceptional form in the past two months.

Kingsley Coman will be fit for this game, and he is likely to go straight in to the starting lineup. The Frenchman will play on the left flank, while Serge Gnabry will operate on the right side of attack. Thomas Muller has been axed from the German squad, so he will be completely fresh to start tomorrow’s game in the attacking midfield position. Robert Lewandowski will the lead line for the visitors against Freiburg.

"NeuerKimmich-Sule-Hummels-RafinhaThiago-MartinezGnabry-Muller-ComanLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Freiburg’s home form has been pretty impressive this season. They are a difficult side to break down, so this fixture is a potential banana skin for Bayern Munich. The home side will be compact defensively and will be happy to get a point from this game. However, they also have some decent players in attack who can pose a real threat to Bayern’s defense.

Nils Petersen will be the main goal threat for the hosts tomorrow. The German striker is Freiburg’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with eight goals. Florian Niederlechner and Gian-Luca Waldschmidt have provided good support to their compatriot in attack. Bayern should also keep a close eye Vincenzo Grifo, as the Italian midfielder has a knack of scoring crucial goals.

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Prediction

Freiburg 0- 3 Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have hit top gear in the Bundesliga at the right time, and I expect them to extend their winning run against Freiburg. It is likely to be a professional performance from Kovac’s players as they keep mounting pressure on Borussia Dortmund.