Bayern Munich got off to a flying start at the FIFA Club World Cup after demolishing the diminutive Auckland City by ten goals in the opening game. Now the actual challenge will begin for Vincent Kompany and the boys with Boca Juniors coming up.
Compared to Auckland City, the Argentinian team possesses much better talent to go with their warrior-like mentality. This quality was put on display in their opening match against Benfica, when they were unluckily held to a 2-2 draw despite being at a numerical disadvantage for a significant portion of the game. Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany was also spotted at Hard Rock Stadium, scouting the opponent. He admitted on Friday that Boca Juniors are a dangerous team in transition.
Head coach Vincent Kompany was not the only person to have positive words for the upcoming opponent. Serge Gnabry also expressed immense praise for Boca Juniors and their fans, as well as the great atmosphere they have created in the stadium.
The aggressiveness and physical playstyle that Miguel Angel Russo's team brings to the table will force Bayern to adapt and respond positively, especially on the emotional side. The players will need to keep a cool head and use the opponent's robustness to their advantage.
How should Bayern line up?
Personnel-wise, it is likely that Konrad Laimer will start at right-back instead of Sacha Boey. Boey had a brilliant game against Auckland City, but Laimer can bring some fiery spirits to match up with the Boca Juniors players. On the same basis, Joao Palhinha or Leon Goretzka is a more suitable option for this type of game than Aleksandar Pavlovic, as it is expected to be a battlefield in the middle of the park. In particular, Palhinha's stand-out physical attributes may prove beneficial for ball recoveries and tackling. Tom Bischof may see his debut in this fixture. The former Hoffenheim young player was one of the Bundesliga's best tacklers last season.
In the meantime, Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano would likely begin the game on the bench to avoid the heavy level of physicality that players recently returning from injuries shouldn't face.
Bayern Munich's predicted starting XI: Neuer - Laimer/Stanisic/Tah/Guerreiro - Kimmich/Palhinha - Coman/Muller/Olise - Kane
Boca Juniors will be without Ander Herrera and Nicolas Figal due to suspension. Edinson Cavani is a doubt for the game due to injury.
A win against Boca Juniors will secure Bayern's ticket to the next stage of the competition with a game in hand.