Bayern Munich: Predicted XI for away trip to Wolfsburg
After enjoying the first victory of 2023 on Wednesday against Mainz in the DFB Pokal, Bayern Munich will look to end their winless run of three games in the Bundesliga. Bayern will get the chance to end this run against Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Die Roten has endured a difficult start to Ruckrunde as they have been involved in three 1-1 draws against RB Leipzig, FC Koln, and Eintracht Frankfurt. Bayern’s collective performances have been shaky in all three games. However, the emphatic 4-0 win against Mainz will give the squad much-needed confidence for the game against Wolfsburg. Let us look at the team news and possible starting XI that Nagelsmann ends up using against Wolfsburg.
Team News
Bayern received a big boost on Thursday as Noussair Mazraoui started training indoors after recovering from mild pericarditis. The Moroccan defender still needs a few weeks to make his return to the squad, but resuming training indoors is a big step in the right direction. Meanwhile, Josip Stanisic is set to miss the game against Wolfsburg due to a tendon problem.
Ryan Gravenberch is also recovering from a knock. The Dutch midfielder’s participation in the game will be decided on Saturday. Sadio Mane has started training with the ball, but he still needs time to regain complete fitness. Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer are the long-term absentees for Bayern.
Predicted Starting XI
Yann Sommer got his first clean sheet as a Bayern player on Wednesday. The Swiss goalkeeper has done a fairly decent job in the goal since arriving at the club in January. He will be hoping to build on this good form by stopping Wolfsburg from scoring on Sunday.
Nagelsmann may decide to stick with the three-man defense that worked well against Mainz. Benjamin Pavard will start as right center-back, while Matthijs de Ligt will play on the left side of the defense. Dayot Upamecano will occupy the central position in the back three against Wolfsburg.
The midfield selection is straightforward for Saturday. Joshua Kimmich will play in the holding midfield position, while Jamal Musiala will operate in a hybrid number 8/10 role. The youngster ended his mini-goalscoring drought against Mainz. Joao Cancelo will play as a right wing-back, while Alphonso Davies will return to the team and play on the left flank.
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Thomas Muller thrived in the number ten role against Mainz. He is expected to occupy the same position along with Leroy Sane on Sunday. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will look to add to his goal tally on Sunday after scoring against Mainz on Wednesday.
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