The unbeaten Bayern Munich return to action on Saturday afternoon as they play host to Darmstadt in the Bundesliga.
Despite failing to taste defeat, Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern currently sit third in the table behind Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart. And while Bayern have enjoyed a productive start to the season, there’s a nagging feeling that Germany’s supreme force still have several gears to move through until they reach their most potent form.
Tuchel is still dealing with a mountain of injuries, and he named just seven substitutes for Tuesday’s Champions League win over Galatasaray. The hosts aren’t expected to welcome back any of their current absentees this weekend, and here’s the starting lineup Tuchel could pick for Darmstadt’s visit.
GK: Sven Ulreich – Manuel Neuer’s number two has rarely inspired confidence, but he’s playing pretty well as of late and is proving a serviceable option.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – The right-back looked rusty in midweek and was eventually substituted. However, Tuchel is short of options in this position so Mazraoui should continue in the XI.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt does not want to lose his place in the team once Dayot Upamecano returns. The Dutchman has arguably outperformed his centre-back partner in recent weeks.
CB: Kim Min-jae – The former Napoli star has been expected to slot in seamlessly at Bayern, and has done an admirable job acclimatising.
LB: Alphonso Davies – With Raphael Guerreiro injured again, there’s no one to challenge Davies for the starting left-back berth.
CM: Konrad Laimer – While seemingly a trusted figure, Laimer hasn’t quite found his feet as he did in Leipzig. Nevertheless, he’ll get another midfield start after Leon Goretzka broke his wrist last weekend.
CM: Joshua Kimmich – The skipper didn’t have his greatest night against Galatasaray, but there are no doubts about his spot in the starting XI this weekend.
RM: Leroy Sane – Much has been made of Sane’s connection with Bayern’s shiny new toy up top, but the German’s final third decision-making left Harry Kane frustrated in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the majestic Sane will continue in the side and switch over to the right flank.
AM: Thomas Muller – The savvy veteran was an unused sub in midweek and is raring for minutes this weekend. He remains a key contributor despite his downturn in starts.
LM: Mathys Tel – Poor Tel is deserving of a bigger role in this Bayern side, but their supreme attacking talent means it’s hard for Tuchel to give the youngster a game. Perhaps he’ll give Tel a shot this weekend and utilise him off the left where he can work in tandem with Davies.
ST: Harry Kane – It wasn’t Kane’s most efficient outing against Galatasaray, but the Englishman nonetheless added to his Champions League goal tally. He’ll start on Saturday and get a rest when Bayern face Saarbrucken in the DFB-Pokal.
READ THE LATEST BAYERN MUNICH NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins
