Match Preview: Bayern Munich begin title defense against Schalke
Predicted Starting XI for Bayern Munich
Despite very little time for preparations, Flick will go with his strongest XI for this game. In the goal, Alexander Nubel will have to wait for his debut as Manuel Neuer is the undisputed number one for the time being. The young goalkeeper is likely to get playing time in DFB Pokal and few Bundesliga games this season.
Sule will come back in the central defense since Boateng has been only training with the group this week. Despite the war of words going off the pitch between David Alaba’s entourage and Uli Hoeness, it is unlikely to affect Alaba on the pitch. The Austrian defender will start alongside Sule in the heart of defense against Schalke. Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies will slot in the full-back positions.
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Thiago will be sorely missed in the midfield, but they have players in the squad that can fill his role. Joshua Kimmich will be a permanent player in midfield since the club is looking to add one more right-back to the squad. The German midfielder is likely to pair up with Leon Goretzka in the center of the park.
Thomas Muller will start in the number ten role against Schalke. He enjoyed a terrific league campaign with 21 assists. Leroy Sane will get his first start in Bavarian colours on Friday. The German international is likely to play on the right, while Serge Gnabry will be deployed on the left flank. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions.
"Neuer Pavard-Sule-Alaba-Davies Goretzka-Kimmich Sane-Muller-Gnabry Lewandowski"