Predicted team for Bayern Munich against Mainz in matchday 14 of the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich will resume Bundesliga action on Sunday after a brief break of two weeks during Christmas. The German Champions will be kicking off Ruckrunde against Mainz at Allianz Arena on Saturday.
A victory on Sunday will ensure that Die Roten remains at the top of the table. They clinched the top spot just before the break with a thrilling win against Bayer Leverkusen. Hansi Flick will be hoping that his team will start the game better after going behind in most of the games during December. Let us look at the possible team that Flick could select against Mainz.
Who is available for the clash against Mainz?
There was a strong chance of having a big squad available for Mainz. However, there have been minor concerns about few Bayern players. Hansi Flick confirmed that Kingsley Coman would not be fit for this game. The French winger had suffered a minor injury against Leverkusen. He has been training individually this week, so no point rushing him since he will have a big role to play in the second half of the season.
Marc Roca has also been ruled out for this game due to muscular injury. Nianzou Kouassi is the long-term absentee for Die Roten. Javi Martinez is also back in training after being out for one month due to a hamstring injury. Tiago Dantas can finally be registered with the first team since the transfer window is open.
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Predicted Starting XI for Bayern Munich
After enjoying a superb 2020, Manuel Neuer will be looking to mark the new year with a clean sheet on Sunday. The German goalkeeper has been in fine form lately as he made some outstanding saves when Die Roten had to fight hard for every point in December.
Niklas Sule has been operating in a hybrid right-back and central defender role. Flick is likely to move to a traditional back four with Benjamin Pavard as right-back on Sunday. Niklas Sule and David Alaba will slot in central defense, while Alphonso Davies will play the first game of the year in the left-back position.
In the central midfield, Flick will be delighted to have Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. The German pair has been in training with the first-team squad, so Flick may give them a start straightaway. Kimmich played a big role in the winner against Bayer Leverkusen. The German duo gives a lot of security on and off the ball in the midfield.
Leroy Sane is likely to get a start on Sunday since Coman has been ruled out for injury. The German winger will play on the left, while Serge Gnabry will occupy the right flank. Thomas Muller will slot in the number ten role, and Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the German Champions in the first game of the year.
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