In the DFB Cup, FC Bayern Munich has clinched its first win of the calendar year. Will the record champions start a series in the Bundesliga at VfL Wolfsburg? And how do Julian Nagelsmann and ex-FCB coach Niko Kovac line up? These are the probable lineups of both teams.
Goal: Yann Sommer
So far, there has hardly been a need to talk or discuss about the Swiss. Does its job confidently, but has still not been properly tested. He will also be in the starting XI again in Wolfsburg.
Defense: João Cancelo
In all likelihood, the newcomer from Manchester City will start again on the right-hand side. After all, he was one of the match winners in Mainz. He should also bring creativity into the Munich game against well-stocked Wolfsburg. However, because Dayot Upamecano is out, Nagelsmann could switch back to a back four.
Benjamin Pavard
At first everyone thought that the Frenchman would become the victim of João Cancelo’s signing. Now there are signs that he could be a winner. Julian Nagelsmann switched to a back three against Mainz. Against Wolfsburg he could start as part of a back four inside.
Matthijs de Ligt
The Dutchman should also be seeded and had strong moments in the last few games, especially on the defensive. It’s hard to imagine him sitting on the bench in such an important game.
Alphonso Davies
The Canadian was on the bench in Mainz but scored after being substituted on. Before the important games against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Nagelsmann may try to get the Canadian back in shape.
Midfield: Joshua Kimmich
Above all, Cancelo should relieve him. In the cup, Kimmich played one of the strongest games in a long time. Can he also boost Bayern’s game against ex-coach Niko Kovac?
Leon Goretzka
The national player could benefit from the wave of failures. Although recently weak and battered, Nagelsmann may rely on Goretzka’s experience.
Leroy Sane
A little more offensive than Musiala, but still with many tasks in central midfield. Sané combined cleverly against FSV and always provided a goal threat. Also in Wolfsburg? But then probably on the wing.
Jamal Musiala
As one of the connecting players between defensive and offensive, Musiala has an important task. Nagelsmann will probably reward his rising form curve in the last game with another mission. The 19-year-old will probably be needed on the ten.
Kingsley Coman
The Frenchman impressed in Mainz and will probably also start on the wing given the tight staffing in the offensive.
Attack: Thomas Muller
It can go that fast! First on the outside, but now in the thick of things. Müller recommended himself for further tasks in the cup and will also be needed against Wolfsburg. It cannot be ruled out that he will have to act in an unloved striker role because Choupo-Moting is absent.
Substitute bench of FC Bayern Munich
The options could be more diverse, but with Serge Gnabry and Mathys Tel Nagelsmann can at least add to that. And then there’s Daley Blind. Rather not a candidate for the first eleven, but certainly an option for the course of the game – and who knows? If Nagelsmann wants to stay with the back three, the Dutchman could still slip into the starting XI. With his sovereignty, he was a reassuring element for Bayern in the second half of the cup.
VfL Wolfsburg: The expected line-up
Niko Kovac played with a back three in the 2-1 defeat in the cup at Union Berlin. The success was manageable. A return to the back four is therefore likely. The ex-Bayern coach can fall back on almost all players. Only Koen Casteels is still questionable after his cold. If he doesn’t play, he guards the Wolves’ goal like Pavao Pervan did recently.
The expected line-up of VfL: Casteels – R. Baku, Bornauw, van de Ven, Paulo Otavio – Arnold – Svanberg, Gerhardt – Wimmer, Kaminski – Wind
