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Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig

By Kartik Sahni

Bayern Munich's French forward Kingsley Coman (L) vies for the ball with Leipzig's French midfielder Christopher Nkunku (C) and Leipzig's German defender Willi Orban during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v FC Bayern Munich in Leipzig, eastern Germany on September 14, 2019. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's French forward Kingsley Coman (L) vies for the ball with Leipzig's French midfielder Christopher Nkunku (C) and Leipzig's German defender Willi Orban during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v FC Bayern Munich in Leipzig, eastern Germany on September 14, 2019. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 04: Thiago (front) of FC Bayern Muenchen runs during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground on February 04, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 04: Thiago (front) of FC Bayern Muenchen runs during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground on February 04, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images) /

Fast Forward: Matchday 21

Bayern is expected to keep a static back four, given the recent results. Alvaro Odriozola will have to wait for some more time before the Spaniard can completely assimilate the tactical know-how of Hansi Flick’s Bayern. Serge Gnabry should be able to start his first league game of the 2019/20 Ruckrunde campaign.

The German winger would replace an injured Ivan Perisic. Naglesmann will probably deploy a midfield-heavy 4-2-3-1 structure to fight Bayern. Patrik Schick is expected to be benched. Timo Werner will continue to lead the attack from the front.

I foresee Leipzig to resort to a counter-defensive approach at the Allianz Arena. Such a technique is expected to counter Bayern’s innate possession-based style. Although Leipzig faithful has seen a frenzy of possession-loving football since the beginning of Ruckrunde, I expect Bayern to disrupt their strategy with aggressive pressing. The visitors shall apply a soft pressure, invading space from all corners. Werner and either of Emil Forsberg or Sabitzer will lead the first wave of pressure. Christopher Nkunku and Laimer will be responsible to charge Bayern’s pivots in such a scenario.

Nordi Mukiele and Halstenberg will be responsible to patrol the flanks. In case Nagelsmann decides to opt for an aggressive pressing tactic, right away from the kick-off, then Bayern can use their speedy link-up and switch play to raid Leipzig’s half. The Bavarians were exceptional in showcasing this tactic in their last three fixtures. The midfield trio of Joshua Kimmich, Thiago Alcantara, and Leon Goretzka remains crucial for repeating this feat. Therefore, Flick shall start his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thomas Muller shall continue to start ahead of Philippe Coutinho on the right-wing.

Bayern’s 4-2-3-1 will be useful in piercing through Leipzig’s compact defense, who would likely go for a 5-4-1 or even a 4-5-1 to cut passing lanes during the defensive phase. Bayern’s structure would be required to change from a 2-3-3-2 in the build-up to a 2-2-3-3/2-1-3-4 in the attack. This should also see the hosts converting into a 4-3-2-1/3-4-2-1 in a defensive transition. Deep inside their half, Bayern must continue to use a 4-4-2 shape to defend.

Analyzing Leipzig’s last three Bundesliga games, the Red Bulls are expected to take an excessive amount of shots against Bayern. RB Leipzig has taken 59 shots in their last three fixtures of which 21 has been from an open play inside the box.

Next. Takeaways as Bayern Munich survive late scare from Hoffenheim. dark

Bayern must take this as a sign of warning, especially in the second half of the game. Die Roten displayed a languid approach in their second half against Hoffenheim during the mid-week DFB Pokal fixture. This was also observed against Mainz 05 in matchday 20. It was a cause for concern for Bayern’s head coach, Hansi Flick, who expressed his views after Bayern’s victory against Hoffenheim. (News Source: fcbayern.com)

"“The way we played in the second half wasn’t so good, you saw from the 55th minute the team eased off a bit. We lacked the intensity we need in our play. We didn’t press well any longer.”"

However, I expect Bayern to further cement their place on top of the Bundesliga table. If Bayern can continue to play as they have been playing since matchday 18, then Allianz Arena should see a full-time score of two-nil in Rekordmeister’s favour on Sunday.