Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen - Bundesliga
- Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in mammoth Bundesliga clash
- Thomas Tuchel is without a whole host of key names this weekend
- Kim Min-jae has returned from international duty
Bayern Munich visit Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday knowing a victory will see them return to the Bundesliga's summit.
Xabi Alonso's side have set the pace at the top of the table throughout 2023/24, with Bayern prowling as the hunters.
The pair now face off in a decisive duel on Saturday. A victory for the hosts would leave Bayern with a five-point deficit to make up, but a win for the visitors would see them snatch all the momentum heading into crunch time.
Here's how Thomas Tuchel could set his injury-hit Bayern side up at the BayArena.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1)
GK: Sven Ulreich - A knee injury could keep Neuer sidelined this weekend, so backup Ulreich will get the nod between the sticks if he isn't fit to start.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui - The Moroccan will have his hands full given the threat Leverkusen pose down their left flank. Konrad Laimer could be fit for the bench with new arrival Sacha Boey also an option for Tuchel.
CB: Dayot Upamecano - Eric Dier has performed well since coming into the side following his January move, but Bayern will need the athleticism of Upamecano for this fixture.
CB: Kim Min-jae - Kim returned to Bayern training in the week and should come straight back into the team for this gargantuan domestic fixture. He's the best centre-back on the club's books.
LB: Raphael Guerreiro - Alphonso Davies' injury will keep him out of action for the next few weeks, so Guerreiro, who's often played in midfield this season, is likely to return to a left-back role on Saturday.
CM: Joshua Kimmich - After celebrating his 29th birthday on Thursday, Kimmich is determined to start at the weekend having missed the Augsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach triumphs.
CM: Leon Goretzka - The powerful midfielder thought he'd scored the winner in the reverse fixture before Bayern were pegged back by a stoppage-time penalty. Tuchel isn't a massive admirer of Goretzka, but he'll likely get the nod on Saturday.
RM: Leroy Sane - It's been a quiet few outings for Sane, who's otherwise enjoyed an excellent season. He's one of the game-breakers Tuchel will turn to to split open a robust Leverkusen backline.
AM: Thomas Muller - Bayern's absences in attack mean the wily veteran should retain his place. Muller has so often produced the goods on the big occasion over the past decade.
LM: Jamal Musiala - Musiala was stationed towards the left flank last weekend, but he'll primarily operate in the half-space with Bayern's width expected to arrive from the left-back. They could really do with Davies' dynamism.
ST: Harry Kane - The Englishman remains on pace to break Robert Lewandowski's single-season scoring record. Kane arrived to win trophies in Bavaria and he'll be desperate to find the back of the net in this one to inspire the visitors to a pivotal victory.
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