After suffering from a disappointing set of matches, German champions FC Bayern Munich will try move one step closer to defending their DFB Cup title this season as they face off against another cup favourites in Borussia Dortmund.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t been in the best of forms lately and they will once again have a tough challenge against the Black and Yellows who have been denied the cup for four years now. Here is the predicted Bavarian lineup to face against the Ruhr giants on Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena.
Goalkeeper: Sven Ulreich has had a handful number of opportunities in this final phase of the season. The former Stuttgart man will have a difficult task to shut out the Dortmund offence in the absence of Manuel Neuer.
Right Back: Captain Philip Lahm was rested in the game against Mainz keeping the big encounter in mind. Therefore, the German world champion will be fresh and all set to lead his side against Dortmund.
Centre Back: After going through a painful evening against Real Madrid, Jerome Boateng should be fully fit for the clash. The German International has been very promising since returning from injury this year.
Centre Back: It will be the fourth meeting between Mats Hummels and Borussia Dortmund after the 27-year-old left the BVB camp last summer. Hummels did seem extremely nervous in all of his past encounters against Dortmund so far this season but he really needs to gear up for this crucial game.
Left Back: David Alaba, unfortunately, will be missing the game after he picked up a knee injury in the weekend game against Mainz. Spanish fullback Juan Bernat is expected to replace the Austrian player of the year.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Xabi Alonso will provide security to the Bayern defensive line. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder featured on as a substitute around the hour mark in weekend’s match against Mainz.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Arturo Vidal’s poor form will sure be a worry for coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Chilean failed to perform in his last four or five outings all competitions. But he will still be the cog in the Bayern midfield.
Central Midfielder: Thiago Alcantara will play a more advanced role thanks to the comeback of Xabi Alonso in the starting lineup. The 25-year-old scored a fabulous goal to rescue a point for his side against Mainz.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben, nicknamed as the “Dortmund Killer” will once again set his sights on the Ruhr giants. The Dutchman has been known for scoring crucial goals in crucial games against Dortmund in the past. Bayern fans will hope that this time will be no different either.
Left Wing: Franck Ribery is mostly expected to start as the left winger. The Frenchman hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent games but will look to prove himself against this weak looking Dortmund defence.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski had a miserable outing against Mainz where he was completely marked out of the game. Borussia Dortmund might need to execute a similar formula if they are to stop the mighty Polish striker from scoring again.
