How Bayern Munich should line up vs VfL Bochum

After a brilliant start to the 24/25 season, one win in the last five games has resulted in a serious inquest from the Bayern fanbase.

The frustration within the fanbase reached boiling point after the humiliating defeat to FC Barcelona in midweek. In truth, the game was probably not a 4-1 sort of game. 

Had Joshua Kimmich made a more enthusiastic attempt to intercept the ball, Bayern may not have even gone a goal down. Whilst it was seen as soft from Kim, he was pushed whilst mid air. Had that been disallowed, it is unlikely VAR would have overturned it. 

That goal really wrestled the momentum back in the hosts favor, after Bayern had been on top. Even after that, there were opportunities, such as when Harry Kane slipped Alphonso Davies through, who would have put Serge Gnabry in on goal, had his cross been better. 

So, whilst Bayern did not deserve to win, it was not a 4-1 game. Therefore, wholesale changes aren’t needed. However, you don’t name an unchanged side after a 4-1 defeat. So, what can be changed?

Why Bayern Munich should give Konrad Laimer and Mathys Tel a chance on Sunday

On Wednesday, Raphael Guerreiro’s pace, or lack of, was exposed. Having a double pivot of João Palhinha and Kimmich, as well as Guerreiro is just too slow sometimes. Plus, with his injury record since he joined the club, some rest would not be such a bad thing. Sunday strikes as an opportunity to start Konrad Laimer at right-back.

The only worry would be build-up. Guerreiro has been key for ball progression, and Laimer is not the best on the ball. However, due to the aforementioned reasons, the Austrian international starting would still be a net positive.

He’s a legend, but Thomas Müller shouldn’t start three games in a week at his age. Jamal Musiala was fit enough for some minutes off the bench, so should be able to start four days later. That one feels like a no brainer.

Finally, we should see Mathys Tel’s first start of the season. Bayern are really crying out for some pace in behind. Gnabry is a willing runner, but whilst he is the fastest attacker starting games, he's not exactly lightning fast himself.

In fairness, Gnabry has actually been pretty good this season, and even registered an assist against Barcelona. However, like Guerreiro, he is an injury prone player who has seen a big spike in minutes so far. So again, not a terrible thing for him to get some rest on Sunday. 

How Bayern should line up vs VFL Bochum; Neuer - Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies - Kimmich, Palhinha - Olise, Musiala, Tel - Kane.