After a relatively uneventful game against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday, Bayern Munich are back in action at Allianz Arena on Saturday against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. The Bavarian club remains unbeaten in the league, but they remain three points behind an impressive Bayer Leverkusen side.
Bayern come into Saturday’s game on the back of a narrow 1-0 win away at FC Koln. Thomas Tuchel rested several key players on Wednesday since the top spot in the Champions League group is already secured. Let us look at the team news and possible starting XI for Bayern on matchday 13 of the Bundesliga.
Team News
Jamal Musiala is fit to be part of the matchday squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered against Galatasaray in the Champions League before the international break. The youngster may come off the bench as Thomas Tuchel and Bayern slowly ease him back into action.
Kim Min-jae, Noussair Mazraoui, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are also fit for the game against Union Berlin. All three players missed the game against Copenhagen due to minor issues. Matthijs de Ligt remains the only senior absentee for Die Roten. The Dutch defender is hopeful about playing the last game of Hinrunde later this month.
Predicted Starting XI
Manuel Neuer made two tremendous saves against FC Copenhagen to make sure that Die Roten remained unbeaten in the Champions League this season. Fresh from signing a new deal, Neuer will be looking to make it three clean sheets in a row on Saturday.
Leon Goretzka did a very good job in the heart of defense on Wednesday, but normality will resume against Union Berlin. Kim Min-jae will partner Dayot Upamecano in the heart of the defense, while Alphonso Davies and Noussair Mazraoui will slot in the full-back positions on Saturday.
The composition of the midfield is also straightforward for Bayern and Tuchel. Goretzka will move back in midfield. The German international has managed to move ahead of Konrad Laimer in the pecking order by delivering consistent performances. Joshua Kimmich will partner his compatriot in the center of the park on Saturday.
Mathys Tel couldn’t make the most of a starting spot against Copenhagen. The French forward will get more opportunities to start as the season progresses, but he may have to be content with a place on the bench against Union Berlin. Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman will be the wide players for Die Roten on Saturday. Thomas Muller could start in the number ten position since Musiala is just returning from a hamstring injury. Harry Kane will look to continue his extraordinary run of form in the Bundesliga when he leads the line against Union Berlin.
Bayern Munich XI- Neuer, Mazraoui-KMJ-Upamecano-Davies, Kimmich-Goretzka, Coman-Muller-Sane, Kane
Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-0 Union Berlin
Union Berlin are enduring a horrid season. They have already made a coaching change, but I can’t see this change having a big impact on Saturday. It could be a routine victory for Bayern, with all forwards chipping in with goals and assists.