Last Word on Football brings you our Bayern Munich predicted lineup for their high-stakes matchup against VfB Stuttgart on Sunday, December 17. It is a game between two of the top three teams in the Bundesliga, with only Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen still outshining both in the table this season.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. VfB Stuttgart
How Bayern Munich Have Lined Up Recently
Last time out against Manchester United, Bayern started with Manuel Neuer in goal. Noussair Mazraoui and Alphonso Davies were the outside backs, while Dayot Upamecano played centre-back alongside Kim Min-jae. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka covered the holding midfield positions, as Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, and Harry Kane were the attacking four. The Bayern coaching staff do not have many other options in the squad, particularly on the defensive side.
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The starting 11 almost picks itself these days, with so many injuries affecting the already-small first team. Konrad Laimer is quite literally the only alternative to Mazraoui at right back. Raphael Guerreiro is the only real backup to Davies on the left. However, the 20-year-old Frans Krätzig has played there at times too.
The centre of defence is an even more problematic area, where Matthijs de Ligt would be the lone natural alternative to the Upamecano/Kim partnership were he healthy. Goretzka has at times, been helping out in that position because there are multiple options in the holding midfield positions. Laimer and even the youngster Aleksandar Pavlović have also helped out in that area.
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Only the four offensive positions have seen regular rotation this season, particularly on the wings and the number 10 position. Kane is the undisputed starting centre-forward. Offensively, super sub-Mathys Tel and club legend Thomas Müller have even struggled for playing time, as has the chronically injured Serge Gnabry. With that squad, Bayern have failed to reach the top of the Bundesliga table, and are out of the domestic cup and will seemingly have trouble competing in the latter stages of the Champions League.
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Bayern Munich Recent Form and Tactics
The 1-0 victory over Manchester United was the first win in the last three matches in all competitions for the Bavarians. The success at Old Trafford was by far the best defensive performance from the team this season. It showed that the players were focused – after their hapless performance against Frankfurt at the weekend. Both Upamecano and Kim had nearly flawless performances against the Red Devils. The 4-2-3-1 formation is not likely to change for this particular match.
Bayern Munich Injuries to Consider
As satisfying as the victory at United may have been, it came at a heavy price. Both Mazraoui and Coman had to leave the field injured. Gnabry, Sven Ulreich, and Bouna Sarr also remain out as well. Kane has been ill in recent days and might be doubtful. There is good news regarding De Ligt, who may return to the squad on Sunday.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. VfB Stuttgart
Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies, Kimmich, Goretzka, Sané, Musiala, Tel, Kane.
