FC Schalke 04 will visit the Allianz Arena on Wednesday to take on defending champions Bayern on their own turf. The Gelsenkirchen boys have performed well against the record champions this season. An unfortunate 2-0 loss in the hinrunde was strongly followed with a 1-1 draw a few weeks ago.
Schalke have been quite prolific in the DFB cup so far, scoring eleven goals on their way to the quarter-finals. Bayern, on the other hand, have conceded just one goal in the cup this season. Markus Weinzierl’s men will have a great opportunity to knock out Bayern in this stage of the competition. Bayern themselves, have reached the finals three times in the past four years and will be hoping for a similar run this year as well. Here is the predicted Bavarian lineup for their highly anticipated encounter against Schalke.
Goalkeeper: Without a doubt, Manuel Neuer will guard the net for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. The German International captain has kept the cleanest sheet in the Bundesliga. He is expected to have a busy night against the Ruhr giants.
Right Back: The evergreen Philip Lahm will lead his team on Thursday night. The deadly combination of Lahm and Robben in the right flanks have worked wonders for Carlo Ancelotti this season. Though, they will have to deal with a rather tough challenge of facing the likes Kolasinac, if they are to dominate the flanks.
Centre Back: Jerome Boateng is still out due to a muscular injury. Javi Martinez’s consistent performances have filled the boots of the German International very well so far. He will once again play a crucial part in stopping the opposition defence.
Centre Back: Mats Hummels will partner the Spanish centre back. Hummels has been a constant feature in Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, after arriving from rivals Borussia Dortmund for a fee of around 40 million euros. Schalke’s offensive power will do its best to question the price tag for the 28-year-old.
Left Back: David Alaba flooded through the HSV defence in their emphatic 8-0 win this past weekend. He will try to continue his fierce form against the Royal Blues.
Central Defensive Midfield: Xabi Alonso will be the man providing security for the Bayern backline. The responsible midfielder has been a crucial part of the Bayern team this year. His presence will offer Bayern some composure in the midfield.
Central Midfield: Arturo Vidal was one of the best players in the win against HSV. He consistently used his aggression and physicality to dominate the middle. The Chilean midfielder will find it difficult to do so against the likes of Johannes Geis and Leon Goretzka.
Central Midfield: Thiago Alcantara, aka the best midfielder in the Bundesliga this season will use his magic to create chances for Bayern in the final third. It will be exciting to see how he manages to breach past the sturdy Schalke defence.
Right Wing: There can’t be anyone else than Arjen Robben! The Dutchman is in fiery form this season, consistently breaking the jaws of opposition defence. He has already found the net ten times in 22 appearances this season but is yet to score a goal in the DFB cup.
Left Wing: It will be a tough pick between Thomas Muller, Douglas Costa or Kingsley Coman, but we back Thomas Muller to start against the Royal Blues. The German international was phenomenal against HSV this weekend, providing two assists.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski will undoubtedly be the main threat for Schalke on Thursday evening. Just like every other season, the Polish International has been prolific! Scoring 28 goals in just 32 appearances this season, he is also the joint leading top scorer in the Bundesliga. Stopping him will mean so much for Markus Weinzierl if he is to see his team keep Bayern at bay.
