Bayern Strikes
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Match Preview- Bayern Munich travel away to Schalke in DFB Pokal

By Kiran Thakare

MUNICH, GERMANY - JANUARY 25: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Muenchen and Daniel Caligiuri of FC Schalke 04 battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Schalke 04 at Allianz Arena on January 25, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - JANUARY 25: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Serge Gnabry of FC Bayern Muenchen and Daniel Caligiuri of FC Schalke 04 battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Schalke 04 at Allianz Arena on January 25, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Team Bayern Munich poses before the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen (Bayern Munich) at Stamford Bridge stadium on February 25, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Team Bayern Munich poses before the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen (Bayern Munich) at Stamford Bridge stadium on February 25, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Predicted XI

Since Flick substituted some of his key men early against Hoffenheim, there are likely to be very few changes to the starting XI. Manuel Neuer will continue in the goal as he will be looking to get his third clean sheet across all competitions in the last ten days.

The back four is likely to be the same that has been so consistent in the Ruckrunde. In the absence of Jerome Boateng, Benjamin Pavard will move in central defense. The French defender is likely to partner David Alaba in the heart of the defense. Alvaro Odriozola will get a chance to impress in the right-back position. On the other side of the defense, Alphonso Davies is likely to feature.

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Joshua Kimmich has been the anchor for Die Roten in the midfield. The German international has forged a very good partnership with Thiago Alcantara in the center of the park. The duo is expected to get the nod ahead of other midfielders on Tuesday. Thomas Muller is likely to feature in his favourite number ten role after being substituted at the hour mark on Saturday.

Since there are very few options in the attack due to injuries, Flick cannot give rest to any forward that played against Hoffenheim. Philippe Coutinho will be looking to build on the weekend’s performance as he will start on the left flank. Serge Gnabry is expected to start on the right flank while young Joshua Zirkzee will lead the line in the absence of Lewandowski.

"Neuer Odriozola-Pavard-Alaba-Davies Kimmich-Thiago Gnabry-Muller-Coutinho Zirkzee"