Darmstadt vs Bayern Munich: Bundesliga Matchday 26 Preview
After enjoying one of their best weeks of the season, can Bayern Munich continue the momentum as they travel to bottom side Darmstadt on matchday 26 of the Bundesliga?
Bayern Munich erased any doubts of a Champions League hangover the last time we saw the squad perform. Coming off an impressed 3-0 victory against Lazio in the Champions League Round of 16, Bayern pummeled struggling Mainz at the Allianz Arena on matchday 25 of the Bundesliga. A Harry Kane hat trick and Leon Goretzka brace were enough to keep the momentum for De Roten.
While the Bundesliga title chase is all but over for the Bavarians as Bayern Leverkusen look to be likely winners, the squad still have one last shot at a trophy as they remain in the Champions League. Thomas Tuchel seems to have finally found the right combination within his squad. The German coach would like to maintain continuity in results and form ahead of big knockout games in the Champions League. While the game against Darmstadt, would normally allow Tuchel to rest players, he may instead look for consistency. Let's look at the Bayern side ahead of their trip to Darmstadt.
Bayern Munich
Any doubt that Manuel Neuer may struggle to return to form after his leg break over a year ago has been put to rest. The German continues to deliver consistent performances every weekend. He will look to keep a clean sheet on Saturday to extend his good run of form.
During the last three games, Joshua Kimmich has been solid in the right-back position. He continues to pick out his trademark passes from deep. He is expected to start in the same role against Darmstadt. With all four center backs available to Tuchel, I find it hard to imagine he will change from the Eric Dier-Matthijs de Ligt combination that is working so well. Alphonso Davies got the start against Mainz and was taken off after a shot to the face, which caused a trip to the dentist. If he is cleared to play, I expect him to start on Saturday.
Tuchel seems to have finally found a midfield pairing that gives him the balance on the pitch. Leon Goretzka and soon-to-be German international Aleksandar Pavlovic complement each other in the center of the park. Pavlovic is given the freedom to operate within the midfield and roam while Goretzka acts as a makeshift defender allowing the full-backs to venture forward. I see no reason why Tuchel would break this combination. Thomas Muller should again get the start as he continues to chase down Sepp Maier's Bayern Munich appearance record.
Leroy Sane has struggled in front of goal and has continued his long goalless drought. While I understand the need to keep momentum, I would love for Tuchel to make a change and give Mathys Tel a start against Darmstadt. However, I don't see it happening. Jamal Musiala has found a home on the left wing in the absence of Kingsley Coman and I'm sure we will continue to see the young German thrive there. Harry Kane will certainly lead the attack on Saturday.
Bayern Munich Predicted Starting XI
Neuer
Kimmich-de Ligt-Dier-Davies
Pavlovic-Goretzka
Sane-Muller-Musiala
Kane