Bayern Munich are in somewhat of a flustered state at the moment. Despite their convincing 3:0 win over RSC Anderlecht, the atmosphere inside the Bavarian camp has not been particularly great of late. From Robert Lewandowski’s ill comments about the club’s transfer policy to Thomas Muller’s continuing role on the bench, fans don’t exactly all too well with Carlo Ancelotti’s way of handling the star studded Bayern Munich squad.
This week, the Italian will look to bounce back to form and shove away all the critics, as they host a struggling Mainz at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. The Bavarians are currently second in the league table but an emphatic win might clinch them the number one spot come the end of matchday 4.
Here’s the expected Bayern Munich line-up for their clash against the 05-ers.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer had a better night out against Anderlecht, after an awful performance against Hoffenheim last week. The German International captain will look to continue his good form against Mainz.
Right Back: Joshua Kimmich was one of the most effective players for Bayern in midweek. The 21-year-old bagged an assist, as well as scoring a goal for himself in the dying moments of the game. He will be full of confidence going into the game.
Center Back(R): Jerome Boateng might make his long awaited comeback from injury. He was subbed on late in the game against Anderlecht. He quickly made his mark on proceedings, with an extremely accurate through ball which led to Bayern’s third goal of the game.
Center Back(L): Mats Hummels’ will also return to the fold, after being left out of the starting lineup in midweek, which was definitely a surprise decision from DonCarlo. The defensive partnership of two International defenders in Hummels and Boateng will be something to keep an eye on.
Left Back: Rafinha had a relatively great game against Anderlecht, and the Brazilian was also picked in the Champions League team of the week for matchday 1. He will retain his place in the team, playing as the left back in absence of both David Alaba and Juan Bernat through injury.
Central Midfield(R): Arturo Vidal will make his comeback after serving a suspension. The Chilean is rumoured to sign a new contract with the Bavarians. He will look to vindicate Bayern’s decision with a strong showing in midfield this weekend.
Central Midfield(L): Thiago Alcantara was simply a beast against the Belgian outfit. The Spaniard controlled the midfield, and also scored a goal to cap off a brilliant display. There are signs of him getting back to his best once again, and it only bodes well for Carlo Ancelotti.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben is likely to be given rest after starting both of the games last week. The 33 year old Dutchman will be replaced with James Rodriguez, who is poised to make his first start for Bayern in the Bundesliga.
Central Attacking Midfield: Corentin Tolisso will have to settle for a place on the bench as Thomas Muller is expected to start as the CAM, especially after the strong criticism on Ancelotti this week, for not playing him enough. He has to back that up with a strong performance against the 05-ers however.
Left Wing: Franck Ribery is likely to start from the left flank this weekend. Ribery was very influential in the game against Anderlecht and could very well against the Carnival club.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski had to face some stick from club president Karl-Heinz Ruminegge for ill-comments on Bayern’s transfer policy but that won’t effect the Pole’s performance on the field. He has already three goals to his name, so far in the Bundesliga and will be looking to extend his tally.
This is how they might line up:
