FC Bayern host FC Schalke 04 on Saturday. Which stars are allowed to start, who has to be on the bench at the beginning? The probable starting eleven.
Munich - FC Bayern have the first of three championship finals ahead of them, and with three wins they would be assured of the title. But what forces will head coach Thomas Tuchel rely on on Saturday when relegation-threatened FC Schalke 04 visit the Allianz Arena? "It's about finding the team that harmonises, that suits the opponent," said the 49-year-old at Friday's press conference. The expected line-up.
| FC Bayern Munich | |
| Foundation: | 27 February 1900 |
| President: | Herbert Hainer |
| Coach: | Thomas Tuchel |
| Membership: | over 300,000 |
After Upamecano's return: Tuchel faces tricky defensive decision
Even though Manuel Neuer was recently able to return to the training ground, there is currently no way around Yann Sommer. The Swiss is currently the clear number one ahead of substitute keeper Sven Ulreich. Much more exciting is the question of the people in front of him. Dayot Upamecano is back in the squad after tearing his muscle.
However, the Frenchman could sit on the bench, as his substitute Benjamin Pavard carried out his job as a central defender alongside Matthijs de Ligt "very strongly", as Tuchel attested to him. It is therefore quite possible that Pavard and de Ligt will again form the defensive bulwark against Schalke.
Goretzka or Gravenberch – who starts in midfield next to Kimmich?
Full-back Joao Cancelo is likely to start on the left, with Noussair Mazraoui expected to start on the right. The Moroccan, who set up Munich's second goal against Bremen, was also praised by Tuchel for his performance. Alphonso Davies and Josip Stanisic are still missing due to injury.
Unlike in defence, Tuchel is spoilt for choice in central midfield, as Leon Goretzka returns from his yellow card against his former club. But the use of the German international is anything but certain. The reason for this is Ryan Gravenberch, who played against Bremen from the start and, according to his coach, "did it accordingly well". "He was involved in dangerous passes in the sixteen. A good performance," Tuchel praised the 20-year-old Dutchman. He could play alongside Joshua Kimmich on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel watches his players in training. © imago/Ulrich Wagner
Tuchel hints at Müller's involvement against Schalke – but is he allowed to play from the start?
In Bremen, Tuchel relied on Musiala in the creative position in attacking midfield, the youngster could also start against Schalke in the Müller position. However, the fact that Tuchel hinted at the use of Thomas Müller speaks against this. "He has taken part in three full sessions and is ready for tomorrow," said the Krumbacher – but he did not let it be known to what extent he relies on Müller.
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In contrast to the Bremen game, Tuchel will probably make changes in the attacking outside positions. Leroy Sané, who has only come on as a substitute three times in a row, will start. The Germany international "did well and has now scored a very nice goal," the coach announced. Mané, on the other hand, is still "waiting for the breakthrough" – that doesn't sound like a starting eleven guarantee at all.
Tuchel announces Choupo-Moting's absence – will Gnabry play up front again?
Sané and Kingsley Coman are expected on the wings, the Frenchman had already started against Hertha BSC and Werder. In attack, Tuchel will have to do without Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Although the attacker has already trained with the team again, he could "not be there yet" on Saturday.
Since Tuchel is also not a big fan of taking responsibility for the young Mathys Tel, he could probably start again with Serge Gnabry in attack. In the last two games, the Swabian repaid his coach's trust with two important goals. (ajr)
Predicted line-up:
Sommer - Mazraoui, Pavard, de Ligt, Joao Cancelo - Kimmich, Goretzka - L. Sané, Musiala, Coman - Gnabry
