League leaders Bayern Munich were halted by an industrious Hertha Berlin side last week. In fact, Bayern were on the verge of losing but for Robert Lewandowski’s last gasp goal, which saved Carlo Ancelotti’s side the blushes.
This weekend, the Italian coach will look to bounce back to form, as the Bavarians host league strugglers Hamburger SV at the Allianz Arena. The Dinosaurs are actually on a great run of form, gathering 10 points in the last four games. So it won’t definitely be a walk in the park for Carlo Ancelotti and his Bayern troops if they are to get back to winning ways. Here’s the predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup for Bayern in their clash against the league’s longest survivor, HSV.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer has found it difficult to keep clean sheets this term. Even though the German International has kept the most number of clean sheet this season, Neuer has managed just one shutout in his last five Bundesliga games. His performance will be crucial against a quick firing HSV side.
Right Back: The irreplaceable Philip Lahm will start as right-back for Bayern. His composure and experience will serve as a really good advantage for Carlo Ancelotti.
Center Back (R): Jerome Boateng is still out due to a muscular injury, meaning Javi Martinez will once again start as the right-sided center back. So far, the Spanish international has done an incredible job of filling his boots and will play a key role in stopping the likes of Filip Kostic and co.
Center Back (L): Mats Hummels will feature alongside Javi Martinez as the ball playing center back. His qualities on the ball combined with powerful aerial ability could be a handful for the HSV defense.
Left Back: Juan Bernat’s lackluster performance against Hertha might just be enough to put him on the bench for this one. Which will mean, David Alaba getting back to his preferred left back position. The Austrian star, who featured as a center back vs Hertha, will try to dominate the left flank with his tenacity.
Central Defensive Midfielder (R): Chilean International Arturo Vidal didn’t have a great time against Vladimir Darida and Per Skjelbred last week. The former Juventus midfielder will try to get back into the rhythm ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Central Defensive Midfielder (L): Xabi Alonso didn’t feature in the starting lineup versus Hertha. He is set to get back to the team sheet against HSV. A perfect man to anchor the midfield alongside the physically astute Arturo Vidal.
Right Wing: Considering Franck Ribery’s frequent injuries this season, the blistering form of Arjen Robben has been very crucial for the Bavarians so far. The Dutch winger will want to continue his fiery form against Markus Gisdol’s HSV.
Center Attacking Midfield: It was one of those rare games for Thiago, where he struggled to cope with Hertha’s defensive pressure. The Spanish international has, without a doubt, been the best Bayern player this season. He will be a key man in opposition half space as well as Bayern’s transition play.
Left Wing: Following some poor run of performances from Douglas Costa, Coach Carlo Ancelotti might just be tempted to give Kingsley Coman a chance to shine. The young French winger is not having his best of seasons under the new coach, however, his run caused the foul, which eventually led to the equalizer for Bayern last week.
Striker: Thomas Muller’s dreadful season continues and his place in the Bayern team is seemingly insecure. It’s a no-brainer to say that Robert Lewandowski will start ahead of the German world champion. Lewandowski’s 16 goals this term is only bettered by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (17).
