Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich return to domestic action on Saturday afternoon to take on in-form Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena.
The visitors have won three and drawn one of their last four Bundesligafixtures, but travel to face a Bayern side that have picked up five consecutive wins and scored 18 goals.
For all their attacking prowess, however, the Bavarians can’t seem to find a solution at the back. Flick’s men are without a clean sheet since lifting the Club World Cup, conceding 11 in their subsequent seven games.
That said, Bayern are in excellent form and qualified for the last eight of the Champions League in midweek after blitzing Lazio 6-2 on aggregate. They’ll need to be razor sharp again to keep Stuttgart at bay, so here’s the lineup that Flick should go with to get the job done…
Smile. Win. Repeat.
Let’s do it! @FCBayernpic.twitter.com/CjtLod9q7h
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) March 19, 2021
Manuel Neuer (GK) – Missed the Lazio tie on Wednesday with illness but is likely to be well enough to return.
Benjamin Pavard (RB) – Was very solid against Lazio, and although Niklas Sule has performed well at right back when Pavard was injured, the Frenchman has earned his starting place back.
Jerome Boateng (CB) – Can’t seem to go a game without doing something a little funky, but he’s a favourite of Flick’s. With the pace that Stuttgart boast, his legs will be put to the test.
David Alaba (CB) – The Austrian was phenomenal on Wednesday night, showing his immense capabilities in every facet of the game.
Alphonso Davies (LB) – Rested against Lazio but will no doubt come back into the fold to cope with Stuttgart’s threat on the counter attack. Can run the length of the pitch before you can say the word pace.
The flawless Joshua Kimmich ?
Today’s Man of the Match ?#FCBLAZ#MiaSanMia#Kimmichedpic.twitter.com/0dP2svx6y8
— ???FC Bayern English??? (@FCBayernEN) March 17, 2021
Joshua Kimmich (CM) – Is the centrepiece to Bayern’s enthralling play. Dictates their tempo and can change a game with his range of passing – there’s no way he doesn’t start.
Leon Goretzka (CM) – The other 50% of one of Europe’s best central midfields, Goretzka is becoming more and more important to this Bayern side by the game.
Thomas Muller (AM) – Wasn’t at his best against Lazio, but has 13 Bundesliga assists to his name this season. He’s probably earned an off performance or two.
Leroy Sane (RW) – Has started to show glimpses of how influential he can become for Bayern. The key for Sane is staying fit.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) – 32 Bundesliga goals so far this season – well on course to break Gerd Muller’s record of 40 in one campaign. What more needs to be said?
Kinglsey Coman (LW) – Was another player to be rested for the visit of Lazio on Wednesday but it was clear they missed him. He is so impactful out on the left and, partnerred with Davies, can really hurt the opposition.
Stuttgart know how to beat the big boys of the division. Their 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund back in December spelled the end of Lucien Favre’s time in charge, and they now sit just four points behind Bayer Levkerkusen in sixth – the final Europa League qualification spot.
Ready to go again tomorrow ?#FCBVfB#packmaspic.twitter.com/d6sCkrH3hb
— ???FC Bayern English??? (@FCBayernEN) March 19, 2021
However, for all the problems that their pace will pose Bayern’s defence, Flick’s ruthlessly destructive style of play is to much for any side to handle. In recent weeks we’ve seen the Bavarians completely dominate in midfield, and with the quality they have in attack, there are few back lines who can contain them.
Lewandowski’s scary thirst for goals alone should be enough to see the hosts cruise to victory.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Stuttgart
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