Bayern Munich: Predicted XI for CWC semi-final against Al Ahly
After a lengthy delay, Bayern Munich finally reached Qatar on Saturday. The European Champions are going to be playing in the Club World Cup next week. The first hurdle toward the third trophy of the season will be a semi-final clash against Egyptian Champions and CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly.
Bayern Munich comes into the game on the back of tremendous league form, winning five Bundesliga games in a row. The German Champions showed great control and grit in the 1-0 win against Hertha Berlin on Friday. Bayern has tasted defeat in a cup knockout game this season, so they will be wary of the threat of Al Ahly and this game will be by no means a straightforward victory. Let us look at the possible team that Flick will pick on Monday to get a win over the champions of Egypt.
Who is available for Bayern Munich?
Bayern will be without Leon Goretzka and Javi Martinez for the Club World Cup. Both players were tested positive for coronavirus last week. Hansi Flick was hopeful that at least one of them will be included in the squad for the tournament, but the midfielders couldn’t be fit in time for the trip to Qatar.
Alexander Nubel is likely to be out for a month after suffering an ankle ligament injury. Lukas Schneller was added to the travelling squad, while Ron-Thorben Hoffmann will be the deputy of Neuer in the tournament. Nianzou Kouassi continues to train individually, so he will not be available for the semi-final clash. Bouna Sarr is another absentee for Die Roten on Monday.
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Predicted team for the CWC semi-final
Manuel Neuer has been at the top of his game in the past few weeks. He was brilliant against Hertha Berlin on Friday. His efforts helped the team to take all three points along with keeping a clean sheet. The German goalkeeper will be looking to maintain this form on Monday against Al Ahly.
Jerome Boateng was rested against Hertha Berlin, so he is nailed on to start on Monday. The German defender is likely to partner David Alaba in the heart of the defense. Benjamin Pavard will occupy the right-back position, while Alphonso Davies will come in the lineup in place of Lucas Hernandez on the left side of the defense.
Joshua Kimmich was the lone midfielder in 4-1-4-1 formation against Hertha Berlin. The German midfielder may have a midfield partner on Monday as Flick has been banking on his usual 4-2-3-1 formation in big cup games. Corentin Tolisso is likely to partner Kimmich in the center of the park.
Takeaways from Bayern's close win away at Hertha. dark. Next
Kingsley Coman is currently the in-form attacking player for Die Roten. The French winger is nailed on to start on the left flank against Al Ahly. On the other flank, it will be a toss-up between Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane. Considering his recent performances, Gnabry may get the nod ahead of his compatriot. Robert Lewandowski will be leading the line for the European Champions.
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