Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern will look to make amends when his side host Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. The 4th Official will predict the Bayern’s lineup following a preview of the game.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer’s absence will hand Sven Ulreich another opportunity behind the sticks for Bayern. The former Stuttgart man played his first game of the season against Rostov in midweek, where he conceded three goals. He will look to be sturdier in his defense, and keep a clean sheet.
Right Back: Philipp Lahm put in a good shift from midfield in midweek. The Bayern captain will switch back to his predominant right-back role against Leverkusen as Rafinha sits out.
Center Back(R): Holger Badstuber started his first game for Bayern for ages against Rostov. Even though he was far from his best, the 27-year old might just retain his position at the center back following the uncertainty of Jerome Boateng.
Center Back (L): Mats Hummels has been an ever-present figure in Bayern’s defense this season, after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in a controversial summer move. The former Dortmund captain has been quite good, to be fair to him. His long passes would be crucial to counter attacks.
Left Back: David Alaba did not feature in the midweek Champions League game but he might come back to the starting eleven even though his backup Juan Bernat impressed against Rostov.
Center Defensive Midfield: Carlo Ancelotti also rested Xabi Alonso with the Leverkusen game in mind. The veteran midfielder would be crucial in midfield in absence of Arturo Vidal. Although majority of the Bayern fans don’t seem to be convinced with his performance in the middle.
Center Midfield(R): Thiago Alcantara is another ever-present figure in Bayern’s starting lineup this season. The 25-year old has been a revelation under Carlo Ancelotti, with exceptional performances week in week out. Thiago is an essential part of Bayern’s transition from defense to offense.
Center Midfield (L): New signing Renato Sanches might deputize for the Vidal midfielder in the middle of the park. The young Portuguese midfielder somehow impressed against Rostov, with some neat passes, and being very good on possession. He is eager to impress his new coach it seems.
Right Wing: Thomas Muller once again didn’t make the starting spot against Rostov due to lack of form. The German international is yet to score a single goal in the league so far but coach Carlo Ancelotti might be tempted to hand Muller an opportunity to shine.
Striker: Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was toothless in his last two matches. Failing to lead the line, the former Dortmund man is suffering from lack of form just like his team. However, the fighting abilities of Lewandowski is what makes him a class apart from other strikers.
Left Wing: Franck Ribery will undoubtedly start from the left-hand sight. The Frenchman was very good in his last few games, causing problems from the left, with his quick movements and dribbles.
