Match Preview: Bayern Munich get the ball rolling against Union Berlin
Predicted XI
Managing the workload of players will be amongst many key challenges that Flick will face in the next five weeks. The German manager will have to rotate his squad to make sure that players don’t succumb to injuries since the scheduling is set to be tight.
On Sunday, the German manager is likely to go full strength against Union Berlin to hit the ground running. Manuel Neuer will start in the goal despite all the speculation surrounding his future. Benjamin Pavard will play on the right side of the defense, while Alphonso Davies continues his run in the left-back position. In central defense, Flick is likely to stick with Jerome Boateng and David Alaba despite the availability of Hernandez.
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In the midfield department, the selection is straightforward. Joshua Kimmich will sit ahead of the defense in the number six position to dictate the tempo of the game. The German will be partnered with Thiago Alcantara, who will play the role of number eight. The duo had been impressive in central midfield during Ruckrunde.
Lewandowski is likely to go straight into the starting lineup despite lacking match rhythm. The Polish striker is a match-winner for Die Roten, making one of the few players to watch out on Sunday. Serge Gnabry will be looking to continue his good form on the left flank, while Kingsley Coman occupies the right flank. After signing a new deal with the club, Thomas Muller will be raring to go in his favoured number ten position.
"Neuer Pavard-Boateng-Alaba-Davies Kimmich-Thiago Coman-Muller-Gnabry Lewandowski"