Following a midweek triumph over Lazio in the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich shift their attention back to the Bundesliga as they play hosts to VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. The Bavarians are hoping to retain their healthy four-point lead at the top of the league table, with a win over the Swabians this weekend, with coach Hansi Flick determined to continue his side’s title-winning spree in the German top flight.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs VfB Stuttgart
Defence
Flick’s decision to take Jerome Boateng off at half-time signals the fact that the veteran defender is once again favourite to start at centre-back, ahead of Niklas Sule. David Alaba is the likely defensive partner for Boateng as he nears the end of his career at FC Bayern, having announced his departure from the club at the end of the season.
There shouldn’t be any changes at right-back either, with Benjamin Pavard likely to get the nod ahead of Sule and Bouna Sarr. However, Alphonso Davies is set to replace Lucas Hernandez on the opposite flank, as part of Flick’s usual rotation policy for midweek matches.
Manuel Neuer, on the other hand, had missed out on the Lazio game, in what was a rare rest for the Germany number one. That change will be reverted on Saturday as he comes in for Alexander Nubel in between the sticks.
Midfield
Flick had started with two of his first-choice midfielders in the midweek game against Lazio. There shouldn’t be any changes this time either given the collective importance of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich at the base of Bayern’s 4-2-3-1.
Marc Roca and Javi Martinez are potential alternatives should Flick look to ring in at least one change while Corentin Tolisso remains out injured with a thigh injury.
Attack
Kingsley Coman, unfortunately, is a doubt for Bayern Munich heading into this game. It could force Flick to persist with Leroy Sane in the attack, alongside Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller, thus forming the creative trifecta for the Bavarians.
Robert Lewandowski is the undisputed man up top, with the Pole hoping to continue his marvellous scoring tally in the Bundesliga this weekend. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is a potential alternative and the only experienced one as Douglas Costa continues to struggle with an injury.
