Bayern Munich vs VfL Bochum: Matchday 5 Preview
Bayern Munich had a successful start to their European campaign on Wednesday against Manchester United. The Bavarians looked well on their way in the second half having taken a 3-1 lead into the final 10 minutes through goals from Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Harry Kane. Manchester United made the last 10 minutes interesting after Casemiro added a United second goal before Mathys Tel finished Bayern’s 4th. Casemeiro would add a United 3rd goal in the last kick of the game.
Thomas Tuchel’s men return to Bundesliga competition on Saturday when they welcome VFL Bochum to the Allianz Arena. Bayern will be looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive, having only managed a draw in their last Bundesliga match with Leverkusen after a very questionable penalty call allowing Leverkusen to score a last-gasp equalizer. Meanwhile, Bochum will be looking for their first Bundesliga win of the young season.
Bayern Munich
It seems I continue to repeat myself, but with Manuel Neuer still unable to return, Sven Ulreich will get the start in goal. With an expectation of needing a bit more attacking presence, I think Noussair Mazraoui gets the start at right back. The combination of Upamecano and Kim has continued to be strong, but the defense is still leaking goals. While I would not be surprised if Tuchel gives Matthijs de Ligt an opportunity, it is hard to rotate the center-back partnership. On the left, Alphonso Davies continues to start, but Raphael Guerreiro finally makes the matchday squad after recovering from injury.
With the lack of midfield depth, the two midfielders pick themselves. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will form the double pivot in front of the back four. Jamal Musiala continued to show why he is one of the best young attackers in the world as he threatened the United defense constantly Wednesday night. When healthy, he’s almost impossible to keep off the field. With Musiala recovering just in time for the midweek match, I’m wondering if this would be a good game to give him a rest, as he will be relied on even more as the season continues. I’m going to go with Thomas Muller getting the start in the number ten role.
Each of the front three that started in the midweek encounter against United was able to get on the scoresheet. Sane, Gnabry, and Kane are starting to form quite the attacking trifecta with Sane really thriving individually. Even with Kingsley Coman returning for the final 30 or so minutes on Wednesday, I don’t expect a change in the attack.
"Predicted Starting XI Ulreich Mazraoui-Upamecano-Kim-Davies Kimmich-Goretzka Sane-Muller-Gnabry Kane"