League leaders Bayern Munich will travel to Jonathan Heimes stadion am bollenfaltor to face bottom club Darmstadt, in a David and Goliath fixture on Sunday. The Record champions have recently found their rhythm after a slow start to the season. Darmstadt, on the other hand, are on a constant decline and recently sacked their manager Norbert Meier. Here are the predicted Bayern lineup for their weekend clash against the Lilies.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer will be the man between the sticks for FC Bayern. The 30-year old goalkeeper has kept two back to back Bundesliga clean sheets and will once again look to snatch a shutout against the weak offence of Darmstadt.
Right Back: Captain Philipp Lahm will start as the right back. The former German international played a few games as a central defensive midfielder but with Vidal returning, he will move to his previous position.
Centre Back (R): Spanish International Javi Martinez is set to start in the middle of defence for FC Bayern. The 28-year old managed a shutout in his previous two games in all competitions. His presence will give Carlo Ancelotti some solidity in defence.
Centre Back (L): New signing Mats Hummels will partner Javi Martinez in central defence. The former Dortmund captain has been an ever-present figure in Bayern’s backline this season. His offensive contributions are a key to the buildup play of Die Roten.
Left Back: Austrian star fullback David Alaba will probably start in from the left after playing two games in central defence. He will look to put in dangerous crosses to feed the attackers.
Central Defensive Midfielder (R): There’s no doubt that Bayern are much stronger with Arturo Vidal in the team. The Chilean is a key figure in the middle of the park, with his strong tackles and mobility in midfield.
Central Defensive Midfielder (L): Thiago will complement the Chilean with his remarkable possession play. He will use his creativity to breach the opposition defensive lines.
Right Midfield: Young German international Joshua Kimmich is set to start from the right wing. The absence of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will force Carlo Ancelotti to deploy Kimmich in the right wing spot.
Central Attacking Midfield: Thomas Muller has struggled with form since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, managing to score ZERO goals up until matchday 14! However, the new formation has seen some substantial difference in form for the German International. His movements in the middle will provide Bayern space to work with and create chances.
Left Midfield: Douglas Costa will be a starter in the clash against Darmstadt. The forceful runs of the Brazilian winger often destabilises the opposition defence and Bayern would be hoping for same outcome against the bottom club Darmstadt.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski will start as the lone striker upfront. The Polish international is on fire having plundered two back to back braces (against Mainz and Wolfsburg respectively). Recently being voted as the 16th best nominee in the Ballon D’Or 2016, he’ll hope to continue his dominant run and challenge the likes of Aubameyang and Modeste in the race for the Torjägerkanone.
