Following a brief Winterpause, the Bundesliga gets back underway this weekend, with league leaders Bayern Munich playing hosts to 1.FSV Mainz on Sunday. The Bavarians are leading the table with a two-point advantage over Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. However, any mishap could potentially help Borussia Dortmund to reduce the gap at the top.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs Mainz
Defence
The mid-season break in the Bundesliga has helped a host of Bayern Munich stars to get back to full fitness. Alphonso Davies, in particular, has made a lot of positive strides towards his fitness and should start ahead of Lucas Hernandez at left-back this weekend.
Benjamin Pavard, however, may once again have to settle for a place on the bench as Hansi Flick continues to prefer Niklas Sule at right-back. It should pave the way for Jerome Boateng and David Alaba to retain their central defensive partnership, although the duo certainly needs to improve on their overall defensive solidity.
Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter in goal as the German international hopes to maintain a better record in goal during the second half of the campaign.
Midfield
Bayern Munich’s last Bundesliga game saw the return of Joshua Kimmich. Although the German international only appeared as a substitute, he should be fit to start in his usual defensive midfield role alongside Leon Goretzka. It could be a welcome sight for Bayern fans who have missed this partnership for the most part of the campaign so far.
Flick should have a five-day break before the Bavarians play their next game, so we shouldn’t expect any unnecessary manoeuvre from the head coach, as far as the team selection is concerned.
Attack
Kingsley Coman appears to be back to full fitness after picking yet another injury against Leverkusen. The Frenchman should retain his place in the side, ahead of Leroy Sane, with Serge Gnabry operating on the opposite flank.
Thomas Muller, meanwhile, should continue in the number ten role, just in behind the main striker Robert Lewandowski, who is eyeing Gerd Muller’s legendary record of 40 goals in a league campaign, having already netted 17 times in just 12 matches so far.
