Despite Borussia Dortmund’s blistering form, Bayern Munich remain firm favourites in retaining their Bundesliga title. The Bavarians, a resurgent force under Hans-Dieter Flick, are now keen on ensuring their league triumph on Tuesday evening against BVB at Signal Iduna Park.
However, the absence of the Yellow Wall would be a massive boost for Bayern though as they are set to take on Lucien Favre’s men in an empty stadium. The new rules and regulations in the wake of global health concerns would certainly attenuate the excitement of the most coveted contest irrespective of its significance in deciding the 2019-20 champions.
Bayern Munich Team News Vs Borussia Dortmund
Bayern have plenty of options in their ranks but, at the same time, would miss the services of Corentin Tolisso [ankle], Niklas Sule [knee] and Philippe Coutinho [ankle] who are still sidelined with their respective concerns. Thiago Alcantara, their Spanish midfield maestro, missed the tie against Eintracht Frankfurt with adductor problems and therefore, is now a doubt for the Dortmund game.
Bayern Munich Formation Vs Borussia Dortmund
Although Flick expects flexibility from his men, a 4-2-3-1 has remained unaltered for quite some time. The gaffer is unlikely to experiment during the midweek encounter and should stick to his preferred formation versus the Black & Yellow.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Bayern Munich Lineup To Face Borussia Dortmund
Defence
Manuel Neuer must keep his place between the sticks as his sweeper-keeper attribute would help Bayern build the game up from the back.
Javier Martinez featured as a centre-half in the reverse tie at Allianz Arena that ended 4-0 in favour of the Bavarians. But the manager should rely on his central defensive duo of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba as the pair have been impressive of late. Benjamin Pavard is expected to keep hold of his right-back role whereas Alphonso Davies, the 19-year-old sensation, would be menacing with his blistering pace and marauding runs from the left-hand flank.
Midfield
Joshua Kimmich has been a worthy successor of the iconic Philipp Lahm due to his adaptability and determination. Predominantly a right fullback, the 25-year-old Die Mannschaft international has adjusted stupendously as a double pivot alongside Thiago Alcântara. But the latter was ruled out against Eintracht Frankfurt with fresh injury woes and Leon Goretzka, the fellow countryman of Kimmich, might retain his place deep down the midfield unless the Spaniard recovers for the Rhine-Westphalia trip.
Thomas Muller has been a revelation this season in the ‘number 10’ role with seven goals and 17 assists to his name in 27 Bundesliga appearances (stats via Transfermarket). He would be key in creating chances from an advanced midfield slot along with Serge Gnabry and Ivan Perisic from the flanks.
Attack
27 goals in 25 outings depict how threatening Robert Lewandowski would be against his former side. The 31-year-old marksman should look to add more to his tally having fired in a brace at home when these two sides clashed heads back in November.