Following two back to back wins, newly appointed coach Jupp Heyncks will brace himself for his toughest test yet after replacing Carlo Ancelotti earlier this month as Bayern travel to the Red Bull Arena to face RB Leipzig this midweek in the second round of the DFB Pokal. Both teams will be full of confidence following their victories this weekend, and surprisingly, both the teams have won their respective games by the same 1:0 scoreline.
Bayern Munich successfully levelled league leaders Borussia Dortmund on points and are trailing them only by an inferior goal difference. RB Leipzig, on the other hand, are somehow managing to keep pace with the top dogs of the Bundesliga. They are just a point behind first and second-placed Dortmund and Bayern respectively.
Knowing the fact that any one of these two German giants could be knocked out, makes it the most exciting tussles in the second round of the DFB Pokal. The stakes will be high when the Bulls collide with the champions of Germany this midweek.
Here’s the predicted Bayern lineup to face the high flying RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Defense
Sven Ulreich will continue on goal for the German record champions. The former Stuttgart keeper did well on the weekend game against Hamburger SV.
Jerome Boateng was rested in the weekend game. The German International is expected to come back into the starting eleven and will partner alongside fellow compatriot Mats Hummels in central defence. Joshua Kimmich will also return to the starting eleven after missing out against Hamburg while David Alaba will occupy the left back position. Both of Bayern’s fullbacks are in red-hot form and are sure to play a key role against RB Leipzig.
Midfield
We might see some changes in midfield as well. Thiago Alcantara is likely to be called up again, in place of Corentin Tolisso.
Arturo Vidal has started back to back matches but as Bayern follow up with another game against Leipzig in the upcoming matchday, it will be wiser to rest the Chilean midfielder. In his stead, new signing Sebastian Rudy might partner alongside Thiago in the double pivot midfield of FC Bayern.
Attack
Arjen Robben might start on the bench as James Rodriguez is expected to start from the right wing. Thomas Muller suffered an injury against Hamburg which will keep him out for a few weeks, meaning Corentin Tolisso, who had an excellent game in the weekend, could start in attacking midfield.
Kingsley Coman will want to continue his excellent run of form while Robert Lewandowski will be the man to lead the charge for Bayern on Wednesday evening.
