Following an incredibly successful October, FC Bayern Munich will be looking to maintain their sizzling run of form under new coach Jupp Heynckes as they face FC Augsburg this weekend.
The Bavarians already have a four-point lead over second-placed Leipzig and a six-point lead over rivals Borussia Dortmund. Augsburg on the other hand, are coming on the back of a sensational start to the league under Michael Baum.
Even though Bayern’s fellow Bavarians have lost their way a little in recent matches, Augsburg are still sitting pretty in the tenth position in a season, where they were expected to be one of the main relegation candidates. Bayern’s imperious form coming up against Augsburg’s remarkable fighting spirit adds up in what is expected to be one of the most enticing derbies in German football this weekend.
Here’s the Bayern Munich predicted lineup to feature against Die Fuggerstadter.
Defense
Sven Ulreich will be the man between the sticks for FC Bayern. The former Stuttgart keeper, deputizing the injured Manuel Neuer, has done a remarkable job so far and is expected to do the same against Augsburg this weekend.
Jerome Boateng is fit to start but is likely to settle for the bench as the defensive partnership of Niklas Sule and Mats Hummels has been excellent in recent games. In fact, Hummels has been one of the most consistent defenders in Europe this season.
Joshua Kimmich is also expected to be back into the starting lineup. The youngster will start as the right back for Bayern while David Alaba will start from the left.
Midfield
Bayern Munich board hasn’t been quite happy with the performances of Arturo Vidal, which once again makes him a real doubt. Javi Martinez could once again be chosen ahead of the Chilean International, who is having a rough patch at the moment.
Thiago Alcantara will partner his compatriot Javi Martinez in central midfield. The former Barcelona midfielder stole the show with a stunning performance against Dortmund, which led Bayern to a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski will lead the charge for FC Bayern as the lone forward while Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman are all set to accompany him on the flanks. Even though Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery have returned from their injury, both of them remain doubtful to start the game. Therefore, Colombian starlet James Rodriguez is more than expected to start as the central attacking midfielder.
