The top game in the Bundesliga between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt is scheduled for Saturday evening. After the two draws against RB Leipzig and 1. FC Köln, the record champions want to see their first win of the year. Which eleven does Julian Nagelsmann send onto the lawn for this? The expected lineups of both teams.
After the next draw against strong defenders from Cologne, Hasan Salihamidzic was the main player. The sports director made a clear statement about Serge Gnabry’s trip to France on the day off. Will that also have consequences for the line-up against the SBU? It looks a lot like it.
In addition, two other German national players are on the brink. “The poster in my office is only filled in four positions,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann at the press conference on Friday about his plan for the upcoming game.
This is against pursuers Eintracht Frankfurt (Saturday, 6.30 p.m. in the live ticker) – and indirectly also about keeping RB Leipzig at a distance. This is how Bayern could run up.
Goal: Yann Sommer
The Swiss was not properly tested in his first two appearances, but basically made a self-confident and secure impression. Will he be able to excel against Frankfurt for the first time?
Defense: Benjamin Pavard
The perennial favorite will also run up again against the SGE. On the one hand due to a lack of alternatives – after all, Noussair Mazraoui is still injured. On the other hand, the Frenchman was one of the more reliable FCB pros in the first two games.
Dayot Upamecano
Upamecano was also reliable this season. Pavard’s compatriot had some very strong clearing moves in the first two games. However, it wobbled a bit every now and then. Nevertheless, he should have a secure starting place at the weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt
Two strong performances against Leipzig and Cologne and the injury to Lucas Hernández ensure him a regular place in the back four. The Dutchman will also have a lot to do in the top game again, but has recently shown himself ready for it.
Alphonso Davies
The most dangerous offensive player in Munich? At the moment maybe Alphonso Davies. His wings are extremely important for the record champions. In this respect, there is no reason for Nagelsmann to rotate him to the bench.
Midfield: Joshua Kimmich
This also applies to Joshua Kimmich, who secured the point against Cologne with his dream goal. In midfield he is untouchable and set, although he is still looking for his rhythm, as was particularly evident in Leipzig. His form could be decisive against Frankfurt.
Ryan Gravenberch
After Leon Goretzka played a weak first half against Cologne, Ryan Gravenberch convinced in the second round with overview, presence and urge to move forward. Bayern could also need his good positional play and calmness on the ball against aggressive Frankfurters.
Due to the absence of Goretzka, who has to pass due to problems with his calf and inner thigh, the decision is made for Nagelsmann. So is Gravenberch starting? “He did very well, it looks like it.”
Leroy Sane
On the right flank, Sané was one of the most active players in an offensive that had been too harmless so far. Accordingly, he should get the chance again at the weekend to let the knot burst in attack.
Thomas Müller
Jamal Musiala has now had two weaker appearances by his standards. The great opportunity Thomas Müller has been waiting for? It is quite possible that Nagelsmann will rely on experience in tenth position this time. Especially since the pressing and counter-pressing didn’t really work without the veteran.
Nagelsmann did not want to make a final decision on Friday and said about Musiala’s current condition: “He needs a can opener again, then it will go better again. I know the reasons and have told him about them, but it’s nothing for the public.”
Kingsley Coman
The Frenchman is one of the winners of the Cologne game. With him, a different pace immediately came onto the pitch. After the anger about Serge Gnabry, Coman should be given preference. It would also be a great opportunity for him to play his way back into the first team.
Nagelsmann missed the right reaction to the Paris anger against Cologne, the performance was “not outstanding”, “then it’s clear that this tabloid topic will be bigger than necessary.” Coman “did it well, he will play”.
Forward: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
No goal against Cologne, but again some strong action between the lines. With his presence and his skills as a ball distributor, he is indispensable – and so probably again part of the starting eleven against Frankfurt.
bench
Three changes compared to the Cologne game? If Julian Nagelsmann thinks that’s too much, Musiala should still have the best cards to play from the start due to their standing and basic quality. Serge Gnabry is used as a joker this time – as is Mathys Tel. With Daley Blind and Marcel Sabitzer, Nagelsmann has two options that could stabilize midfield and the build-up play if the pressure against Frankfurt gets too great. It is unlikely that Paul Wanner or Josip Stanisic will play – as long as nobody gets injured.
Eintracht Frankfurt
There is still a small question mark behind Kevin Trapp. The national goalkeeper had caught a cold. Otherwise, the big question for coach Oliver Glasner will be how much he has to rotate after the intense game in Freiburg. Great hopes are pinned on Kolo Muani, who scored again against the sports club and can cause a lot of problems for Bayern. But SBU will also be more challenged defensively than usual. A strong Hrvoje Smolcic will be supported in the defensive center by Tuta and Evan Ndicka.
Expected Lineups:
FC Bayern: Summer – Pavard, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies – Kimmich, Gravenberch – Sané, Musiala, Coman – Choupo-Moting
