Bayern Munich face an enormous task to overturn an eight-point deficit and win this season’s Bundesliga title, but if anyone can do so it’s the German champions.
Currently cut adrift of Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, Harry Kane’s late winner against RB Leipzig last time out showed Bayern haven’t given up all hope just yet. After all, it seemed impossible that they would be crowned Bundesliga champions on the final day of last season, yet a mixture of their resilience and Borussia Dortmund’s fallibility saw them win another Meisterschale.
Thomas Tuchel will be leaving the German giants at the end of the season and his reign hasn’t been helped by a consistent stream of injuries. However, with a few key players returning to the fold, Bayern are getting closer to full strength, much to the disappointment of Friday’s ninth-placed opponents Freiburg.
Here is how Bayern could line up for the trip to Europa-Park Stadion.
GK: Manuel Neuer – Mr. Reliable in between the sticks, Bayern would be even worse off this season without Neuer’s performances since his return from injury.
RB: Joshua Kimmich – The German may prefer playing in central midfield, but he has always been a top tier right-back. With Sacha Boey and Noussair Mazraoui sidelined, he may have to fill in there once again.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Suspended for the victory over RB Leipzig, he will now come into replace the suspended Matthijs de Ligt after the Dutchman accumulated one too many yellow cards. Surely the Frenchman can’t be sent off for a third straight game, right?
CB: Kim Min-jae – Only featured from the bench last time out and should replace Eric Dier in the starting lineup. The South Korean international’s form has been patchy, but he’s still an elite centre-half.
LB: Raphael Guerreiro – The return of Alphonso Davies will be crucial for Bayern, but Tuchel may opt to stick with Guerreiro to avoid rushing the Canadian back into the mix. The Portuguese performed well against RB Leipzig last weekend.
CM: Aleksandar Pavlovic – The youngster has been impressive stepping into the Bayern midfield this season and even has two goals in his last five outings.
CM: Leon Goretzka – Someone who has come under immense scrutiny this term for some subpar displays, the German wasn’t at his best against RB Leipzig. Could potentially be dropped now Konrad Laimer has returned from injury.
RM: Leroy Sane – The tricky winger has been one of Bayern’s standout performers this season, but he hasn’t found the back of the net since October. He only has three goal contributions since the winter break.
AM: Thomas Muller – You certainly know what you’re getting from the veteran, even if it’s not the levels we once expected of the German. The indefatigable attacking midfielder will run through fire for Bayern on Friday.
LM: Jamal Musiala – The twinkle-toed attacker will be pleased to see the imminent return of Serge Gnabry, meaning he can soon return to his favoured number ten role. The youngster has rarely put in a bad performance this term.
ST: Harry Kane – Where would Bayern be without this man’s goals, eh? Another two kept them in the title picture last weekend and all eyes will be on the England captain to guide the champions to victory on Friday.
