Bayern Munich have been on a torrid run of form recently, failing to win three of their last five games. While slip ups can be tolerated in the Bundesliga (especially when you’re eight points clear at the top), the Champions League is a another matter entirely. Matthias Jaissle gave Julian Nagelsmann a run for his money back in Austria, and the latter will need to shape up quickly if his side is to progress to the quarter finals.
Barring any last minute surprises, Manuel Neuer is back and fit to start in goal tomorrow. While Alphonso Davies (myocarditis) and Leon Goretzka (knee) still remain sidelined, the return of the sweeper keeper will surely put a lift in this beleaguered Bayern Munich setup. Corentin Tolisso is also out with a knee issue, while Lucas Hernandez is set to return to the XI (given that he’s not suspended in the UCL).
So, the lineup. Per reports, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Kingsley Coman are the three “untouchable” players in the attack — they’re going to start no matter what. In his press conference, Nagelsmann also mentioned that he’s counting on Leroy Sane to play, so expect him to be in the starting XI as well. That only leaves a question mark over Serge Gnabry. Bayern’s #7 has not been having a great season so far, and Nagelsmann seems to have ditched the weird back-three formation that was keeping him as a permanent starter. Judging by how things have gone in the last few weeks, we’ll assume that Gnabry will not start tomorrow.
In midfield, Jamal Musiala will probably drop to the bench after the difficult game he had against Bayer Leverkusen. While he might one day blossom into a great holding midfielder, it’s probably a little too early for him to test his skills in the Champions League. He’s also much better off as additional firepower from the bench.
