Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich face tricky challenge against Leverkusen

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Hansi Flick, Bayern Munich. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

Fast Forward: What to expect from Bayern Munich on Saturday?

Bayern will travel to Leverkusen with a flawless record since footballing action restarted. Bayer Leverkusen, too, have had some fine performances. Only Wolfsburg got the better of Leverkusen in matchday 28. Peter Bosz has recently been in favour of a 3-4-3 setup. Borussia Monchengladbach were the victims of this tactic, with Kai Havertz operating as a false nine.

However, it won’t be a surprise should Bosz decide to put Volland at the tip of attack with Havertz in a number ten position. Going back to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could be a good option for Bayer Leverkusen to use similar tactics from their Hinrunde clash.

Die Roten will have Jerome Boateng available for their second meeting against Leverkusen to outmuscle Volland. Hansi Flick may opt for a 4-2-3-1 setup. Thiago remains in contention to start the match and will be a valuable asset to open space against Leverkusen’s tight structure. Leon Goretzka has also been exceptional in a box-to-box role in the past few games. The German center-midfielder could also lineup against Kimmich with Muller in an attacking role. The exchange of movements between the three was a treat to watch in the last two games.

Moussa Diaby can again be deployed on the right-hand side. The French attacker was a thorn in Davies’s stride in their previous meeting. Bayern will have to re-engineer their tactics to create room for Davies. We all have seen what the Canadian speedster can do in his zone. Davies has clocked an xG Chain value of 3.25 in his last three fixtures, highest among the Bundesliga defenders.

Next. Joshua Kimmich’s immense passion catalyst to success. dark

In order to support Davies, Gnabry must start as an inverted winger on the left-wing. His movement to drop deep in the mid-thirds and facilitate ball progression will be of utmost importance for this clash. The rest of the team picks itself.

"Neuer Pavard-Boateng-Alaba-Davies Kimmich-Thiago Coman-Muller-Gnabry Lewandowski"

Score Prediction:

Bayer Leverkusen 1 – 1 Bayern Munich

Leverkusen has been in fine form, so the outcome of the encounter on Saturday will depend on fine margin. Considering the form and personnel of both teams, I am predicting a 1-1 draw between two impressive teams of the Bundesliga.