Following yet another nervy 1-0 victory over FC Augsburg, Bayern Munich are hoping to extend their winning run to three games in the Bundesliga as they lock horns with FC Schalke on Sunday. The Bavarians have a healthy four-point lead over second-placed RB Leipzig, but any mishap should allow Die Roten Bullen to recover quickly, with resurgent Bayer Leverkusen also among the chasing pack.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs FC Schalke
Defence
Hansi Flick might be tempted to make a few alterations to the defence that somehow kept a welcome clean sheet against Augsburg. Lucas Hernandez, in particular, is likely to be replaced by Alphonso Davies at left-back while Bouna Sarr might be given a rare opportunity on the opposite flank.
In central defence, Niklas Sule hasn’t started in Bayern’s last two matches, which is a rather worrying sign given the fact that the German international is the only central defender the club currently have.
Things are unlikely to change this weekend, with Flick set to continue with the central defensive combination of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, even though neither of these two players are expected to stay at the Allianz Arena next season.
Nevertheless, Manuel Neuer should retain his place between the sticks. His confidence will be high after keeping a clean sheet in the last game – his first in the league since October.
Midfield
No real changes are expected in central midfield, primarily due to lack of quality alternatives. Corentin Tolisso is nowhere near as consistent or as reliable as Leon Goretzka. Besides, the German international will be desperate to play against his former club, as he renews his partnership with Joshua Kimmich at the base of Bayern Munich’s 4-2-3-1.
Javi Martinez, Tolisso and Marc Roca are potential alternatives, with the former making quite an impact after coming on as a late defensive substitute against Augsburg.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski was shockingly taken off midway through the second half against Augsburg, at a time when Bayern were failing to dominate the game. The Pole should come back into the starting eleven but is in desperate need of a good performance, having scored ‘just’ three goals in his last four competitive outings.
Lewandowski should be partnered by Bayern’s creative trifecta in Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane, with the latter getting the nod ahead of Kingsley Coman after featuring as a sub in the last two matches. He, Goretzka and Neuer will be looking forward to playing against their former club this weekend.
