The Bundesliga returns following the international break, and with it, viewers are set to be treated to a fantastic match between the only two unblemished Bundesliga sides. Friday kicks off Matchday 4 with Bayern Munich set to host Bayer Leverkusen. This is sure to be the Bavarian giants’ toughest test thus far in the young season.
Former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso has Leverkusen flying. They visit Allianz Arena while leading the Bundesliga table (+2 Goal Differential better than Die Roten). Thomas Tuchel’s side will be looking to end Alonso’s perfect start to the season, and with some players having suffered knocks over the international break, Tuchel will have some decisions to make Friday evening in Munich.
Bayern Munich
As Manuel Neuer continues his quest to return following his skiing accident, he is still a week or so away from being able to reclaim the starting role. Sven Ulreich will continue in his place and get the start in goal against Bayer Leverkusen.
The partnership of Dayout Upamecano and Kim Min-jae has been fantastic in front of Ulreich until now, and while Matthijs de Ligt awaits his opportunity, I expect de Ligt to have to wait at least another week before getting a start in the heart of defense.
Expect Alphonso Davies to continue his top form at left-back. As for the right back, Noussair Mazraoui has played well in his starts, however, the energy Konrad Laimer brought when he was brought on vs. Monchengladbach really changed the course of the game. With Leverkusen being a strong attacking team and the movement of Florian Wirtz down the left side, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Laimer get the start at right back to provide more defensive stability.
Centrally, Joshua Kimmich sustained a knock during international duty and didn’t feature in the national team’s victory over France. With his availability in doubt, this could solve the right-back question. If Kimmich is able to go, Laimer is an option at right back, if Kimmich is unable to feature, then Laimer moves centrally. While one side of the midfield is in doubt, Leon Goretzka’s availability is not. Gortezka will pair with Kimmich/Laimer. Similar to Kimmich, Jamal Musiala’s status is still pending. Having missed the national team games, I think he’s good to go and expect him to play as the 10. If there is a setback in the final training session on Thursday, Thomas Muller is poised to fill in.
We are finally seeing the very best of Leroy Sane, and coming off a strong performance against France for the German national team, I expect him to start on the right. The game against Monchengladbach was not one Kingsley Coman will want to look back on, and he was taken off in the 69th after a quiet day. I think his struggle against Monchengladbach will give Serge Gnabry the start on the left. Centrally, Harry Kane will look to get back on the score sheet.
"Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1) Ulreich Laimer(Mazraoui)-Upamecano-Kim-Davies Kimmich(Laimer)-Goretzka Sane-Musiala(Muller)-Gnabry Kane"