Bayern Munich will restart their UEFA Champions League campaign on Saturday when they host Chelsea, in the second leg of the Round of 16 tie. The Bavarians are heading into this game with an unassailable 3-0 lead. They have also secured a domestic double earlier this campaign and have a realistic chance of securing a treble come the end of the season.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
The ankle injury to Benjamin Pavard keeps him out for this game, which will serve as a massive blow for Hansi Flick. Joshua Kimmich is the obvious option at right-back, but the German is running the risk of missing the quarterfinals should he pick up another yellow card.
Although we do expect Kimmich to start the game, he could be hooked off at half-time or around the hour-mark, with Alvaro Odriozola likely to come in. There won’t be such changes on the opposite flank, however, with Alphonso Davies being a guaranteed starter.
Lucas Hernandez is available heading into this encounter, but coach Flick is unlikely to tinker with the reliable defensive combination of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba operating at the heart of Bayern Munich’s four-man backline.
Finally, Manuel Neuer will start in goal, a goalkeeper who has sensationally been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer.
Midfield
Kimmich shifting in at right-back means Thiago Alcantara is set to return to the side. But much like his teammate, the Spaniard could also miss the next game with a yellow card, so he also needs to be careful. Fortunately, the Liverpool linked midfielder will be partnered by Leon Goretzka, who will do most of the dirty work in the centre of the park.
Thomas Muller, meanwhile, will be tasked with the responsibility of providing the creative essence in the final third. The German international has enjoyed a stellar season, tied with Lionel Messi as the highest assist provider in Europe’s top five leagues.
Attack
Philippe Coutinho’s loan deal was expended for a few months due to UEFA Champions League. However, the Brazilian is not a first-choice option, with Bayern Munich likely to stick with the wide-attacking formula of Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry.
Both Coutinho and Ivan Perisic could appear as second-half substitutes once the game is sealed while the Bayern Munich attack will be spearheaded by the mercurial Robert Lewandowski.
