Bayern Munich vs Koln Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Bayern Munich will have a tough task at hand when they host 1. FC Koln at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

1. FC Koln will visit Bayern Munich to claim their stake back when they face each other in the Bundesliga. The Bavarian giants had an underwhelming return to their Bundesliga campaign as they shared a point with RB Leipzig, while Koln hammered Werder Bremen 7-1.

Bayern will try to bounce back to winning ways after their winning juggernaut was halted by a rampant Leipzig. They have already widened the gap at the top to five points. And another win would put them at the pinnacle of their journey.

Bayern’s initial difficulties have been covered up by their recent dominance. And it would take a lot for their opponents to pile some misery on them, despite the underwhelming return to top-flight football after two months.

Koln played a goal feast as they haplessly thrashed Bremen in a ruthless manner. Things fell in place perfectly and they would hope to replicate the same when they travel to Munich to take on the league leaders.

Team News and Tactics

Bayern Munich

As matches are arriving thick and fast, Julian Nagelsmann will have the liberty to ring in some changes. Manuel Neuer’s injury will not allow him to return so quickly. So new arrival Yan Sommer will have another chance to showcase his talent between the sticks.

Daley Blind might have to wait a bit longer to don the Bayern Munich colours as Nagelsmann will prefer the same backline that held RB Leipzig in the last match. Noussair Mazraoui and Lucas Hernandez continue to be on the sidelines.

Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard will join Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano in the backline. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will be provided with the midfield duties to cope with the pressure of Koln midfielders. Thomas Muller came from the bench for a brief cameo against Leipzig, and he will start just behind the main striker.

Leroy Sane will take up the right flank, while Kingsley Coman will try his trickery from the left-hand side. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will try to add more to his seven goals when he spearheads the Bayern Munich attack against Koln.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sane, Muller, Coman; Choupo-Moting

1. FC Koln

Koln have an extensive list of players currently being treated in the treatment room. Ellyes Skhiri suffered an ankle injury against Werder Bremen and might have to miss the clash. Luca Kilian, Rijad Smajic, Kristian Pedersen, Jan Thielmann, Dimitrios Limnios, Mark Uth, Sebastian Andersson, Florian Dietz and Maximilian Schmid are currently on the sidelines with various injuries.

Marvin Schwabe will keep his place in the goal. Timo Hubers and Julian Chabot will have the responsibility to cement the floodgates against a competent Bayern attack. Jonas Hector and Benno Schmitz will complete the backline.

Dejan Ljubicic will replace Skhiri in the middle of the pitch, and Eric Martel will be his partner in the crime. Linton Maina and Florian Kainz will run their errands from both flanks, while Denis Huseinbasic will be in the advanced midfield position. Finally, Steffen Tigges will lead the line for Koln against Bayern Munich.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Schwabe; Schmitz, Chabot, Hubers, Chabot, Hector; Martel, Ljubicic; Maina, Huseinbasic, Kainz; Tigges

Key Stats

Player to Watch

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

The Cameroon international has been a revelation this season, as he is currently the third-highest scorer for Bayern Munich. The 33-year-old already has scored seven times in the Bundesliga and will try to add more to his tally.

Choupo-Moting’s stupendous campaign has come out of nowhere. And his performances have captured the attention of clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham. But the veteran will be focused on the task at hand, which will be beating Koln in the midweek fixture.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2-0 FC Koln

Despite the recent thrashing of Werder Bremen, Koln will a different ball game against Bayern Munich, who will be on their own turf. The Bavarians have netted four goals in each of their last four home meetings. And the visitors will be aware of the danger posed by the Bundesliga champions. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-0 win for Julian Nagelsmann’s charges.

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