Match Preview: Bayern Munich host Chelsea in Champions League
Predicted Starting XI for Bayern Munich
Despite the injury to Pavard, Hansi Flick will be able to field a strong team against Chelsea on Saturday. The tie may look to be out of Chelsea’s reach, but strange things have happened in the Champions League over the past few years, so Flick should be taking no chances with team selection.
Manuel Neuer will be looking to keep two consecutive clean sheets against the English side as he will start in goal. The German manager is likely to stick with Jerome Boateng and David Alaba in central defense. Alphonso Davies will occupy the left-back position while Kimmich will replace Pavard on the other side.
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In the midfield, Flick will bring Thiago back into the lineup. The Spaniard had lost his place to Goretzka due to injury and the German’s good form. Thiago is likely to play deeper while Goretzka will be looking to link midfield and attack. The German international is also a goal threat from midfield due to his pinpoint runs into the box from deeper positions.
Ivan Perisic is likely to be the replacement of Coman in the attack. The Croatian winger will play on the left, while Serge Gnabry will operate on the right side. Thomas Muller will be starting in his usual number ten role. Robert Lewandowski will be looking to add to his exceptional tally of 11 goals in the competition while leading the line on Saturday.
"Neuer Kimmich-Boateng-Alaba-Davies Goretzka-Thiago Gnabry-Muller-Perisic Lewandowski"