Bayern Munich certainly flexed their muscle in the Bundesliga on matchday 30 in the German capital. After knocking out Arsenal midweek, Thomas Tuchel made a number of changes in order to rest key players, and he was greatly rewarded with a convincing 5-1 victory over Union Berlin.
Leon Goretzka and Harry Kane both scored before halftime to see the Bavarians take a 2-0 lead into the half. Thomas Müller and Mathys Tel then joined the party, helping Bayern take a decisive step towards securing second place in the Bundesliga standings.
With the Champions League encounter against Real Madrid set for Tuesday, Tuchel will certainly have to manage his squad as the European competition remains Bayern Munich's only chance to claim silverware this season. What changes, if any, will Tuchel make after the strong showing in Berlin when the Bavarians welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the Allianz on Saturday?
Bayern Munich Team News
After missing some time through injury, Manuel Neuer has returned to the Bayern starting XI. He should continue to start as long as he remains healthy.
Joshua Kimmich seems to have fully embraced his role at right-back and is full of confidence following his winner against Arsenal. I don't see any reason he shouldn't continue his great form there on Saturday.
Tuchel elected to give Matthijs de Ligt a rest in Berlin, and Kim Min-jae started instead. I wouldn't be too surprised if he decided to give both de Ligt and Eric Dier a breather and went with Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano in central defense. Alphonso Davies missed the Arsenal match due to suspension, but was back for Union Berlin and played a full 90 minutes. I see him starting and hoping to build confidence as his pace will be needed vs Real Madrid on Tuesday.
With Kimmich becoming a feature at right-back, the double pivot has been open for a combination of Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Konrad Laimer. I see Goretzka and Pavlovic playing together again centrally on Saturday vs Frankfurt. Thomas Müller got the start and a brace against Union Berlin last weekend, and I believe he again get the nod for Tuchel as the attacking midfielder.
It seems as if as soon as Bayern Munich return to full health, another injury creeps in. Serge Gnabry was injured in the first leg in London, while Kingsley Coman is set to miss the rest of the season.Leroy Sané has continued to feature despite dealing with pain, and I do not foresee him featuring in any Bundesliga anytime soon, with Real Madrid the priority.
This leaves Tuchel with only three viable options: Jamal Musiala, Mathys Tel, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Musiala was given a rest last weekend, but should return to start on the left. I'm going to go with Mathys Tel getting the start and solid minutes before Choupo-Moting comes in for Musiala around the 70th minute. Harry Kane will certainly start centrally.