Bayern Munich continued from where they left off in 2025 when they resumed Bundesliga action on Sunday. Vincent Kompany’s men delivered a thumping performance to clinch an 8-1 win against Wolfsburg on matchday 16 of the Bundesliga. They will look to maintain the same momentum when they travel to face FC Koln on Wednesday.
Die Roten currently have a lead of 11 points at the top of the Bundesliga. The Bavarian club is well-positioned to reclaim the Bundesliga title, but there is still a long way to go. A win on Wednesday will ensure that Bayern continue to build momentum for the crucial second half of the season.
Meanwhile, FC Koln are currently midtable in the Bundesliga. However, they need to build some momentum to avoid getting into a relegation battle. Koln are currently winless in their last five games. A positive result on Wednesday can set the tone for Koln’s second half of the season.
Team News
Bayern will be without several players for the game against FC Koln. Joshua Kimmich will miss the game as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Sacha Boey and Alphonso Davies remain on the sidelines due to illness.
Josip Stanisic will not play again this month after suffering a minor injury against Wolfsburg. Jamal Musiala is close to making his return, but the game against FC Koln comes too soon for him. Nicolas Jackson remains unavailable for selection as he is playing for Senegal at AFCON.
Predicted Starting XI
Manuel Neuer made some good saves during the second half against Wolfsburg on Sunday. The 39-year-old will hope to keep a clean sheet on Wednesday.
Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano are expected to start in the heart of defense against FC Koln. Konrad Laimer will play in the right-back position, while Raphael Guerreiro will replace injured Josip Stanisic in the left-back role.
Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic did a fine job in the center of the park against Wolfsburg. Kompany will continue with the same midfield combination on Wednesday since Kimmich continues to recover from an ankle problem.
Even though Lennart Karl has been playing well, Vincent Kompany may decide to rest him on Wednesday to avoid burnout. Serge Gnabry can start in the number ten role behind Harry Kane. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz will play on the right and left flanks, respectively.
Predicted Starting XI- Neuer; Guerreiro, Tah, Upamecano, Laimer; Bischof, Pavlovic; Diaz, Gnabry, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
FC Koln 0-3 Bayern Munich
Considering the recent form of both teams, anything but a Bayern win will be a big surprise on Wednesday. Kompany’s men will be ruthless in the final third to get a convincing victory.