Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Mainz - Bundesliga
- Thomas Tuchel and Bayern looking to chase down Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen
- Manuel Neuer approaching return but Sven Ulreich may still start instead
- Noussair Mazraoui unlikely to play following comments made on social media
By Euan Burns
Bayern Munich don't like to be anywhere other than first place in the Bundesliga but they are only third ahead of an away game at Mainz on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel's side still seem to be finding their way but the signs are generally positive, with two wins in the Champions League and just a two-point gap to Bayer Leverkusen at the top. Bayern can also end the weekend at the top of the table if Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart drop points.
Bayern have a relatively clean bill of health and with Mainz down in 17th with just two points, this should be a very simple task for the Bavarian side, even if a couple of draws have stunted their progression somewhat.
Here's the team Tuchel may choose to ensure victory for Bayern away at Mainz.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Mainz (4-2-3-1)
GK: Sven Ulreich - The 35-year-old's time as Bayern's number one may be coming to an end soon as Manuel Neuer edges closer to a recovery. He should be between the sticks here, though.
RB: Konrad Laimer - With Noussair Mazraoui unlikely to be involved after his public support for Palestine upset the Bayern hierarchy, Laimer will move to right-back again rather than play in midfield.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - The Dutch defender doesn't seem to gather many headlines these days but is a very solid and important player for Bayern, with his place more secure with Dayot Upamecano out injured.
CB: Kim Min-jae - Those who watched him at Napoli will not be surprised that the South Korean has slotted in very well at Bayern and he may be in for a quiet day against Mainz.
LB: Alphonso Davies - With Raphael Guerreiro out injured, Davies has little or no competition at left-back right now but it really is his place to lose anyway.
CM: Joshua Kimmich - Captaining the side, Kimmich is now one of the senior leaders in this team at only 28 years old.
CM: Leon Goretzka - The beneficiary of Laimer needing to be used at right-back, Goretzka is still trying to prove himself fully to Tuchel.
RW: Leroy Sane - It took a while for Sane to fully settle at Bayern after his move from Manchester City but he is a really important player now and approaching his best form.
AM: Jamal Musiala - Despite being just 20 years old, Musiala is a vital and seemingly undroppable player for both Bayern and the German national team, which is some achievement.
LW: Kingsley Coman - The Frenchman netted twice in the win over Freiburg before the international break so he is confident and seems to finally be locking down his position.
ST: Harry Kane - Having netted twice against Italy for England, all is well in Kane's world after his big move in the summer.
READ THE LATEST BAYERN MUNICH NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed