FC Heidenheim vs Bayern Munich: Bundesliga Preview, Team News

Can Bayern Munich put last weekend's performance against Borussia Dortmund behind them as they head to Heidenheim for a crucial Bundesliga matchup ahead of their trip to London?

FC Bayern München v 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 - Bundesliga
FC Bayern München v 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 - Bundesliga | Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/GettyImages
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Bayern Munich Team News

Manuel Neuer remains sidelined for Bayern Munich, and Sven Ulreich will likely fill in between the sticks. While it's hard to step in for Neuer, Ulreich didn't do himself many favors while conceding the first goal against Borussia Dortmund. He will hope to deliver a much better performance against the resilient Heidenheim.

Joshua Kimmich's move to right-back has done more than just open up opportunities for Aleksandar Pavlovic, as it has allowed the former to utilize the additional space to push into midfield and showcase his vision and range for a pass. He will continue to get minutes at right-back. Dortmund exposed the centre-back pairing of Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier, but Thomas Tuchel values the latter's ability on the ball so it remains to be seen if there will be any changes. Alphonso Davies was largely disappointing in the Dortmund match, and we might see the return of Raphael Guerreiro at left-back on Saturday.

With Pavlovic unable to play against Dortmund, Tuchel elected to use Konrad Laimer and Leon Goretzka as the double pivot. Neither performed well, but that isn't saying much considering the entire team looked lethargic. The duo will likely start again this weekend, though, with Pavlovic still not avaialble.

Thomas Müller has had a run of games, but honestly hasn't made much of his time on the field. It might be time to move Jamal Musiala back to his favoured number ten role.

The attack was largely ineffective against Borussia Dortmund and the opportunities didn't really come for the Bavarians until Tuchel made changes in the second-half. With Leroy Sané unavailable to play on Saturday, Serge Gnabry should get the start with Harry Kane lining up in the number nine role once again.

Expected Bayern Munich Starting XI: Ulreich - Kimmich, de Ligt, Dier, Davies - Laimer, Goretzka - Gnabry, Musiala, Tel - Kane