Bayern Munich will resume their Bundesliga 2019/20 campaign on Sunday when they face Union Berlin away from home. The Bavarians are leading the table by four points, and with Borussia Dortmund playing Schalke, they might have an opportunity to potentially extend their lead. Union, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid any humiliation.
Here is how the Bundesliga league leaders could line up against the new boys this weekend.
Predicted Bayern Munich lineup vs Union Berlin
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Bayern Munich are likely to miss out on Niklas Sule, though he is nearing his return to full fitness. His absence means coach Hansi Flick will continue to rely on the central defensive duo of David Alaba and Jerome Boateng. Both these players had performed really well since the turn of the year and are likely to get the nod ahead of Lucas Hernandez.
Another player who has done a fantastic job this season is Benjamin Pavard. The Frenchman is a guaranteed starter at right-back while the opposite flank will be occupied by Alphonso Davies, who has been one of the rising stars of the Bundesliga this campaign.
Elsewhere, Manuel Neuer is a guaranteed starter in between the sticks, despite there being problems and misunderstanding regarding his contract extension.
Midfield
Corentin Tolisso is the only player ruled out for the game against Union. Fortunately for Flick, he is not considered as a valuable member of the first-team and has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Joshua Kimmich is expected to sit at the base of Bayern’s 4-2-3-1, alongside Thiago Alcantara. The composure and assurance provided by these individuals will dictate the tempo of the game, putting the Bavarians in the driving seat.
Attack
Moving a little further forward, Thomas Muller should retain his place in the number ten role. He has gone through an extraordinary revival under Flick, having notably involved in 22 goals this season. His chance creation will be crucial as the Bavarians look to expose the Union defence.
Muller is expected to be accompanied by the wide attacking duo of Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, especially with Philippe Coutinho out injured. There is a possibility that Joshua Zirkzee could be used as well as Jann-Fiete Arp, although it is Robert Lewandowski who is more than expected to lead the line this weekend.
The Pole has been one of the few players who has benefitted from the Coronavirus pandemic as the suspension has helped him recover from injury. He will be desperate to get back into scoring form.
