Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs RB Leipzig - Bundesliga
By Max Parsons
Bayern Munich resume their domestic campaign with a trip to last season's Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig on Saturday evening.
Die Roten Bullen have endured a rocky start to the 2021/22 season, with a combination of injury worries and new management contributing to mixed results. Jesse Marsch's side have so far thumped Stuttgart 4-0 and lost 1-0 twice, leaving them tenth.
Bayern, now led by former Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, have looked typically strong since a poor pre-season. Die Roten somehow came away from Monchengladbach with just a point on the opening day, but followed that up with a 3-2 victory over Koln and a 5-0 trouncing of Hertha Berlin - currently placing them third in the table.
To continue their solid start to the campaign, here's the lineup Nagelsmann could go for on Saturday.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Manuel Neuer (GK) - A constant in this Bayern side, Neuer has captained the team in all three of their opening league games and will continue to do so in Leipzig.
Josip Stanisic (RB) - With Benjamin Pavard on the road to recovery, young Stanisic has done a brilliant job at stepping up and deserves his spot in the first XI.
Niklas Sule (CB) - Has big shoes to fill after the departure of Jerome Boateng but has demonstrated that he has the quality to be a long-term component of Bayern's defence.
Lucas Hernandez (CB) - With Dayot Upamecano injured, his return is timely. Picked up a bad knock at Euro 2020 but seems ready to get back to action for the trip to Leipzig.
Alphonso Davies (LB) - After shaking off an injury he picked up on international duty, Davies should continue at left-back. If Bayern decide to play it safe, Omar Richards may get the nod.
2. Midfielders
Joshua Kimmich (CM) - A magnetic presence at the heart of the side, Kimmich is integral to nearly every facet of Bayern's play and will continue to star for the reigning German champions.
Leon Goretzka (CM) - His partner in crime should be Goretzka. With his dynamism and athleticism, he compliments Kimmich's artistry beautifully to create a true powerhouse of a midfield pairing.
Serge Gnabry (AM) - Two goals and three assists in five appearances across the board so far this season, Gnabry has started in scintillating form and, with Thomas Muller being a doubt, he could be charged with floating around and providing that creativity on Saturday.
3. Forwards
Leroy Sane (RW) - Seems to have earned his manager's trust in the early stages of the campaign and should keep his spot in the side, especially considering Kingsley Coman will likely be absent.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) - One man for whom there is no doubt of starting is Lewandowski. He's scored in each of his last 13 Bundesliga appearances and, already on ten goals for club and country this season, all we can say to Leipzig is: good luck.
Jamal Musiala (LW) - For a man who loves working with bright prospects, Nagelsmann has a diamond in his hands with Musiala. With three goals and two assists, the 18-year-old has had a blistering start to the campaign and already looks one of the league's most threatening and creative talents.