Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: Matchday eight preview
The Bundesliga resumes this weekend after a two-week-long international break. Bayern Munich begins matchday eight on Friday by hosting Bayer Leverkusen. It is a must-win game for the defending champions as they look to end a winless run of four games in the Bundesliga.
Bayern suffered defeat against Augsburg in their last game before the international break. It was an insipid performance from the Bavarian club as they struggled at both ends of the pitch. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen has also struggled in the Bundesliga this season. They are currently 15th in the points table after winning just one league game in seven gameweeks. Let us look at essential things we need to know about Bayern’s must-win game on Friday.
Team News
Bayern has welcomed Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka back in training this week. The German duo is fit for the game on Friday after recovering from coronavirus. Kingsley Coman has started training on the pitch, but this game will come too soon for the French winger. Lucas Hernandez, Bouna Sarr, and Paul Wanner will also miss this game due to injuries.
Where to Watch?
DAZN will be covering the game at Allianz Arena on Friday, but there will be coverage for this key game on Sky Sports in Germany. Meanwhile, ESPN will be broadcasting the game in the USA. The report about the price index for Bundesliga across the globe from Sporticos gives an entire overview of the broadcasters for this game and other Bundesliga fixtures.
Predicted Starting XI
Julian Nagelsmann had two weeks to find a system and line-up that will help Bayern to end their winless run in the Bundesliga. Neuer will be fit to start in the goal after recovering from a bout with coronavirus. The German international will be hoping to keep a clean sheet after conceding goals in each of their last four league games.
Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano will start in the heart of defense since Lucas Hernandez is currently recovering from an adductor injury. Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard are likely to start in the left-back and right-back positions, respectively.
Nagelsmann will be sticking to stick with Joshua Kimmich in the number six position despite recent criticism. Leon Goretzka may get the nod for the second midfield position since he is fresh and fit after missing the international break due to coronavirus. Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Sadio Mane are likely to form the front four on Friday. Serge Gnabry will have to make the most of his cameo to force his way back in the starting XI.
"NeuerPavard- Upamecano-de Ligt-DaviesKimmich- GoretzkaMuller-Musiala-SaneMane"
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Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich will hit the ground running on Friday after difficult three weeks in the Bundesliga. It will not be a completely dominating victory, but they will get the crucial three points to stop the ongoing poor run of results.