Bayern Munich will have to gear up for another tough contest, as high-flying Schalke await them in the midweek fixture in the Bundesliga. The Bavarians are on the back of an emphatic 4:0 win over Mainz on the weekend, and go into this game, seeking to clinch the number one spot in the table. Schalke on the other hand, have also started the season in a bright fashion, and trail Bayern with just a slender goal difference.
Here are the predicted Bayern Munich lineup ahead of their clash against the Royal Blues.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer will start in between the sticks for FC Bayern. The former Schalke goalkeeper will be looking to extend his good form to three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Right Back: Joshua Kimmich is currently the man of the moment for Bayern. The German youngster notched up three assists in the game against Mainz on the weekend. He will be a vital part of the team on both defence and offence for Carlo Ancelotti’s side going into this game.
Center Back(R): Jerome Boateng made his starting debut this season, after coming back from an injury layoff. He is expected to start alongside Mats Hummels in central defence. It will be a challenging task for Boateng, to keep out Burgstaller and co.
Center Back(L): Mats Hummels has looked pretty rusty this season, with a series of mixed performances. Carlo Ancelotti will hope that he’ll show his best form against the sharp attack of Schalke.
Left Back: Rafinha is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup. Deputizing David Alaba in the left back spot, Rafinha has looked pretty comfortable so far. However, the task will definitely get harder against Schalke.
Central Defensive Midfield(R): Arturo Vidal will retain his spot on the team, largely thanks to a strong showing against Mainz. Vidal will, no doubt, be crucial against the likes of Leon Goretzka and Nabil Bentaleb in central midfield.
Central Defensive Midfield(L): Thiago Alcantara was a beast against Mainz. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the opposition midfielders this week.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben is also expected to keep his spot on the team. Coming into this game, the Dutchman is in great form, scoring a goal on the weekend. His offensive run-ins at the defence could be troublesome for Domenico Tedesco’s men.
Central Attacking Midfield: Thomas Muller had a great game, on the weekend. It will be very harsh not to start him against Schalke. Muller’s clever movements will be pivotal for FC Bayern going forward, especially against the sturdy defensive line of the Royal Blues.
Left Wing: Franck Ribery will replace Kingsley Coman on the left wing. The former Juventus youngster wasn’t exactly good enough vs Mainz, and his compatriot, in the shape of Ribery will start in place of him in the starting lineup.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski bagged the brace this week and is in great form prior to the encounter. The Polish hitman leads the top-scorer charts with six goals in four Bundesliga matches. Don’t be surprised if he extends his tally by the end of the Englische Woche.
Here is how they might line up:
