Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Augsburg - Bundesliga
- Fresh injuries leave Bayern Munich without an orthodox right-back ahead of Augsburg trip
- Eric Dier set to start with Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae absent
- 19-year-old Pavlovic to start in midfield due to injuries
By Euan Burns
Bayern Munich are hoping to move within one point of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga but could end the weekend seven adrift if they lose to Augsburg on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel's side put in a far from vintage performance in midweek, beating Union Berlin in a rearranged Matchday 13 clash as Raphael Guerreiro scored the only goal of a very bad-tempered game.
There are lots of defensive absences for Bayern and that situation was exacerbated on Wednesday night as both Dayot Upamecano and Konrad Laimer picked up injuries that will see them miss this trip to Augsburg.
Here's the starting lineup Tuchel may choose this weekend.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Augsburg (4-2-3-1)
GK: Manuel Neuer - The German legend will have loved being back playing each week for Bayern after a serious leg injury, although he's used to winning more frequently than they have recently.
RB: Joshua Kimmich - With Noussair Mazraoui at the Africa Cup of Nations and Konrad Laimer now injured, there are no right-backs at Bayern. Kimmich may have to show his versatility and fill in there, creating a gap in the midfield.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - It would be terrible for Bayern if De Ligt were to pick up a fresh injury so Tuchel will be wincing at every challenge he makes.
CB: Eric Dier - A first start for Dier is in store given Kim Min-jae is at the Asian Cup and Upamecano is now injured. Came off the bench against Union Berlin but now he needs to step up.
LB: Raphael Guerreiro - The goalscorer against Union Berlin, Guerreiro's ability to get forward is really important to this Bayern team, especially with Alphonso Davies seeming to fall out of favour.
CM: Leon Goretzka - A very functional midfielder, Goretzka could have a less familiar partner alongside him during this game and will need to show some leadership skills.
CM: Aleksandar Pavlovic - With Laimer out and Kimmich being used at right-back, Pavlovic is set to start in midfield alongside Goretzka. The 19-year-old has been featuring occasionally throughout the season.
RW: Leroy Sane - Was in the thick of the action against Union Berlin, even getting a slap in the face from Union's coach which led to a red card. Sane will need to be more clinical in the final third against Augsburg than he was on Wednesday night.
AM: Jamal Musiala - Things just weren't clicking for Musiala on Wednesday but the youngster will surely start again and make more of an impact this weekend.
LW: Kingsley Coman - There is a chance Tuchel will opt for Mathys Tel instead of Coman, but the World Cup winner is the more reliable performer.
ST: Harry Kane - Kane found the net against Union Berlin but it was chalked off due to Sane being offside. He will look forward to attacking corners with Dier in the box as well.
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