After Saturday’s loss to rivals Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern find themselves second in the Bundesliga table and are also three points behind Atletico Madrid in their Champions League group even though they have successfully secured a place in the Round of 16. Meaning Bayern will go into the Rostov game with an extra amount of pressure.
We will look into the projected lineups of the German champions against Russian outfit FC Rostov on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper: Bayern’s number one goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sustained a calf problem, meaning the second choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich will start today’s game against Rostov. The former Stuttgart man is yet to feature for Bayern this season under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Right-Back: Club captain Philipp Lahm put in a great shift against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday but will be given a rest against Rostov. Brazilian fullback Rafinha will start as the right back for the Bavarians.
Center-Back: Jerome Boateng was nowhere near his best on Saturday and the comeback of Javi Martinez from injury might hand him a starting place in the Bayern lineup. The Spanish International has been excellent under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.
Center-Back: Mats Hummels had a decent game against his former club on Saturday night. Even though he struggled to cope with the pace of Aubameyang, the 27-year old was very good in his overall game. He will be a sure starter against the Russian opponents.
Left-Back: David Alaba is set to start as a left back for Bayern tonight. The Austrian’s performance has been mixed this season, struggling against high pressing teams but playing against clubs who play deep. Rostov’s style of defending could be a boon for the 24-year old.
Center Defensive Midfield: Keeping one eye on the big Leverkusen game on Sunday, Bayern would probably rest Chilean midfield, General Arturo Vidal, meaning new signing Renato Sanches will start in defensive midfield. The Portuguese has failed to live up to the expectation thus far but a good performance against Rostov might give him the confidence he needs.
Center Midfield: Joshua Kimmich struggled to impress against Dortmund, he will be looking to bring back his confidence when he starts against the Russian side.
Center Midfield: Thiago Alcantara is no doubt the best Bayern player this season, in terms of importance in the squad. The Spanish midfield maestro has almost played in every other Bayern game this season. Ever present in the Bayern midfield, Thiago will be important as Bayern look to breach the lines of Rostov defense.
Right Wing: Douglas Costa featured as a sub and proved a great threat to the opposition defense on Saturday. The Brazilian winger would look to do just that from the left flank today.
Striker: There’s no doubt that Thomas Muller has been one of the worst Bayern players this season. Yet to score a single goal in the league, the 27-year old German forward will be given a start today. Two of his three goals this season have come in the Champions League, however.
Left Wing: Carlo Ancelotti will rest the likes of Franck Ribery and Robert Lewandowski, which could clear the way for Julian Green to start against Rostov. The young American winger is yet to taste Champions League football this season.
