Bayern Munich will look to overcome their slump against Hoffenheim this weekend and make a solid start to their Champions League campaign as they host Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht at the Allianz Arena this midweek. Carlo Ancelotti was criticized a lot for his lineup on the weekend, and also for his lack of action despite trailing 2:0 against a fearless Hoffenheim.
However, the job would be rather easy this time around as Anderlecht have suffered a terrible start to the season, with just eight points in six games. Les mauves et Blancs are currently 10th in the Jupiter Pro League table and will be looking for a strong showing against the German Champions on Tuesday.
Here’s the 4-2-3-1 predicted lineup for Bayern Munich to feature against Anderlecht this week.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer suffered one of his worst games in 2017 when he conceded two goals to his near post. The newly appointed club captain needs to build his squad’s overall morale if they are to ease past the industrious Anderlecht side.
Right Back: Joshua Kimmich also had a tough weekend, having been outclassed by opposing fullback in Steven Zuber. His defending was terrible and his poor clearance cost his team, the second goal of the game. He will look to gain confidence with a perfect start to his Champions League campaign this season.
Center Back(R): Javi Martinez was given a chance to redeem his place in the team, after a light spell on the sidelines due to injury but the Spaniard failed horribly to make use of it. Therefore, expect Niklas Sule to make his Champions League debut, replacing the slow Javi Martinez.
Center Back(L): Mats Hummels’ spell of nap cost Bayern dearly against Hoffenheim. He will be looking to prevent those kinds of defensive mishaps if he wants to keep a clean sheet against the Belgian outfit.
Left Back: Rafinha had to play out of position against Hoffe, as the first choice left back David Alaba is out injured for about four weeks. He will once again start from the left side.
Central Defensive Midfield(R): Sebastian Rudy played very well in the weekend, despite his teammates not showing up. However, Rudy is expected to settle for the bench as Arturo Vidal might come back to the starting lineup against Anderlecht.
Central Defensive Midfield(L): Thiago Alcantara might have to settle for the bench as well, considering the form of Corentin Tolisso. The record signing for Bayern has been in tremendous form in the early season and Carlo Ancelotti is better advised not to disrupt his progress. But don’t rule out Thiago from starting just yet!
Right Wing: Arjen Robben will finally start for the team on the right channel. The Dutchman was benched against Hoffenheim, which eventually cost the Bavarians dearly as they were lacking offensive dynamism in the final third.
Central Attacking Midfield: Carlo Ancelotti took a lot of stick for starting Muller out wide, who failed to influence the game. So, expect Muller to start as the CAM this midweek. The Bayern ramdeuter is better equipped playing in a more central role.
Left Wing: Kingsley Coman will most likely be dumped on the bench again after an ineffective performance in the weekend. The Frenchman will be replaced by his compatriot, Franck Ribery, who ironically, takes the credit for Coman still playing for Bayern this season.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski failed to find the net against Hoffenheim as he was completely surrounded by the opposition defenders. The Polish International should expect a similar situation playing against Anderlecht.
