As interesting and important as the last few Bayern Munich matches have been, the two encounters with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League Round of 16 are going to be the most pivotal games for the Bavarians so far this season. It is literally a make-or-break situation for them. Failure to advance to the quarterfinals here would mean that this term was unsuccessful. Last Word on Football brings you our Bayern Munich predicted lineup for the first leg.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen
How Bayern Munich Have Lined Up Recently
Coach Vincent Kompany continued to rotate his squad during Friday’s encounter with VfB Stuttgart. He went with the following starting 11: Manuel Neuer was in goal, as the back four consisted of Konrad Laimer, Eric Dier, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies.
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The duo in the holding midfield positions was Joao Palhinha and Leon Goretzka. Lastly, the front four consisted of Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, and Harry Kane. The coach returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation due to Kane’s return to a starting position up front. He made four personnel changes bringing in Davies, Goretzka, Palhinha, and the aforementioned Kane for Hiroki Ito, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Thomas Müller.
Bayern Munich Recent Form and Tactics
Recent results for the team have been good, particularly the emphatic wins over strong Bundesliga sides such as Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt were pleasing.
However, the good atmosphere in the club will quickly change, should they not advance to the quarterfinals, especially to the team that denied them entry to the last eight of the German Cup as recently as December. Not to mention, of course, last season’s humiliation at the hands of Leverkusen.
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Tactically, the 4-2-3-1 formation will likely remain. Although, in the previous meetings between the two teams this season, the two coaches usually made some surprising changes. Yet, with this being only the first of two legs, maybe the tactical shackles will slightly come off this time.
Bayern Munich Injuries to Consider
Kimmich was able to participate in Tuesday’s final practice before the match. He will likely be available, Pavlovic however was absent. Beyond that, backup keeper Daniel Peretz may well be the only injured player at this point.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen
Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies, Goretzka, Kimmich, Olise, Musiala, Coman, Kane.
