Bayern Munich are going up against Sevilla in the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League. The first leg is set to take place in the Allianz Arena on the 4th of April and Munich might already have an eye for the next stage of the competition.
Not to discount Sevilla completely but the conditions at the Allianz is always harsh and at some point is bound to bring you to your knees.
The La Liga side won the hearts of Europe after beating out Manchester United in the previous stage, that too at Old Trafford. Vincenzo Montella’s tactics were spot on against a defensive Red Devils side and Ben Yedder ended up making all the difference.
However, going up against the Bavarians in their own home turf does place them at a disadvantage. The Bayern side is looking better than ever, after beating their league rivals, Borussia Dortmund by a whopping 6 goals. Jupp Heynckes’ side completely demolished the Black And Yellows and seems to be well rested after the international break.
And the last fixture Bayern faced in the Europea stage was Besiktas, who they beat 8-1 on aggregate. Here is how they might lineup for this fixture.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
There is no telling as to when Manuel Neuer will come back to football but it will not be this season. Germany’s number 1 shot-stopper has a long way back to recovery and 29-year-old, Sven Ulreich has been left to fend for the Munich team.
Christian Fruchtl is far too young for such high-intensity fixtures and Tom Starke is clearly facing the last stage of his playing career.
That leaves Ulreich as the best option for Hynckes.
Jerome Boateng is expected to resume his duties in the centre-half position alongside Mats Hummels.
Joshua Kimmich has been brilliant this season and is the predicted starter on the right-back position while David Alaba is the usual choice on the left.
Midfield
Javi Martinez might just reappear in the anchor role in the midfield. He needs to be the defensive rock around the centre circle while Arturo Vidal gets to operate in the box-to-box role next to him.
James Rodriguez might find himself ahead of the duo in the attacking midfield role.
Attack
Franck Ribery has no plans of stopping anytime soon. The 34-year-old chipped in a brilliant effort against Dortmund on Sunday and seems to have retaken the starting XI spot from Kingsley Coman.
Robert Lewandowski will start in the lone striker role with Thomas Mueller on the right flank.
