Bayern Munich will lock horns against nemesis Atletico Madrid in the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League this season. The poor form by Carlo Ancelotti’s side cost them the first position in their group but the record German champions will look to take revenge when they host the Spanish outfit in their own stomping ground. Here is the predicted Bayern lineup for Tuesday’s clash.
Defense
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer will be the man between the sticks for the Reds. The German International captain is not having his best of seasons under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, managing just two clean sheets in his last 13 games all competition. Against Atletico, who have never scored more than one goal against Bayern in their last five matches, Neuer will fancy his chances of keeping the elusive clean sheet.
Right Back: Joshua Kimmich is also set to start ahead of Rafinha in the right back position. The young midfielder was deployed as right back in his previous two games, and the 21-year-old responded pretty well to the situation. He will once again, try to illustrate his work ethic from the back.
Center Back(R): Javi Martinez looked dizzy against Mainz on the weekend. Cordoba’s clever turn left the Spanish International completely bamboozled. However, Martinez did manage to compensate for his mistake with some great positioning.
Center Back(L): Mats Hummels has been a constant feature in Bayern’s defence this season. Mostly, for his offensive contributions, though sluggish at times, when defending, the former Dortmund man boasts some excellent defensive stats for Bayern this season.
Left Back: David Alaba will once again, operate from the flanks. The Austrian is a key figure in Bayern’s wing play and crossing. Considering Bayern’s firepower upfront, Alaba’s crosses might prove to be very dangerous for Diego Simeone’s troops.
Midfield
Center Defensive Midfield: The ageing Xabi Alonso, is perfectly replaced by Philipp Lahm as it seems. The former German international filled in remarkably well in the CDM position. Great passing, very good with possession, and his offensive contribution has been a key factor Bayern’s dominance in recent games.
Central Midfield(R): Thiago Alcantara has been another ever-present figure in Bayern’s lineup. The Spanish international turned to a revelation under new boss Carlo Ancelotti. Pleasing on the eye, Thiago’s gameplay is essential for Bayern’s creativity upfront.
Center Midfield(L): New signing Renato Sanches might start as the left-sided midfielder, as Arturo Vidal is likely to be rested, for the weekend’s Bundesliga clash with VfL Wolfsburg. The young Portuguese sensational has struggled to settle in at the Bundesliga and will have a point to prove against one of the world’s big clubs.
Attack
Right Wing: Goal-shy Thomas Muller will start from the right wing, the 27 years old German international is yet to find the net in the Bundesliga this campaign and his value to the Bayern team continues to decrease under Carlo Ancelotti as it seems.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski led the Bayern attack brilliantly against FSV Mainz on Friday. Scoring a brace, the Polish striker also broke a record of scoring fourth successive braces against the same opponent in the Bundesliga. Lewandowski will no doubt to be a key for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they look to break the shackles of the strong Atletico defence.
Left Wing: Arjen Robben was exceptional against Mainz, scoring the header to put Bayern in the lead. The Dutchman was a constant threat around the Mainz penalty area, and his tendency to dribble at players would be a crucial asset for Bayern.
