So, instead of going all-out trying to beat 17th placed FC Köln, Thomas Tuchel is going to use this opportunity to test some solutions for the Arsenal game coming up next week.
Of course, all this will take place without Thomas Tuchel himself physically present on the touchline — he’s banned due to yellow card accumulation.
Leroy Sané has also suffered a reaction following his participation in that game, which rules him out of Saturday’s clash.
Assuming Thomas Tuchel goes with the simplest possible setup, you can expect to see Harry Kane up top with Thomas Müller behind him, and Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman on the wings.
Aleksandar Pavlović could return to the starting XI next to Leon Goretzka, with Konrad Laimer potentially dropping to the bench.
Let’s make one thing clear — the Bundesliga is done and dusted, Bayern Munich are not winning it this year. So, instead of going all-out trying to beat 17th placed FC Köln, Thomas Tuchel is going to use this opportunity to test some solutions for the Arsenal game coming up next week. That means starting players in new positions, and potentially resting key starters with the potential of extra time in midweek.
Of course, all this will take place without Thomas Tuchel himself physically present on the touchline — he’s banned due to yellow card accumulation.
Team news
Serge Gnabry picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, which rules him out for the next two to three weeks — a major blow given his recent form. Leroy Sané has also suffered a reaction following his participation in that game, which rules him out of Saturday’s clash. Alphonso Davies, who is suspended for the Champions League return leg at the Allianz Arena, is expected to ride the bench in favor of his potential replacements — Noussair Mazraoui and Raphaël Guerreiro. Otherwise, Bayern Munich have a mostly fit squad available.
Assuming Thomas Tuchel goes with the simplest possible setup, you can expect to see Harry Kane up top with Thomas Müller behind him, and Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman on the wings. Aleksandar Pavlović could return to the starting XI next to Leon Goretzka, with Konrad Laimer potentially dropping to the bench.
In defense, reports hint that Noussair Mazraoui could be given the nod ahead of Guerreiro at left-back, with a nod to the Arsenal game where he may have to deal with the pace of Bukayo Saka. Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier could be rested in order to preserve their legs for the quarterfinal, while Joshua Kimmich likely retains his spot at right-back.
With Manuel Neuer fit and ready to play in goal, this is what Bayern’s starting XI could look like:
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