Bayern Munich are merely looking to extend their imperious unbeaten run in Champions League group stage fixtures when they host FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night.
Thomas Tuchel’s side haven’t been utterly convincing in Group A so far, but they’ve nonetheless won four from four and have qualified for the round of 16 as group winners – extending their unbeaten run at this stage of the competition to 38 games.
Copenhagen, on the other hand, have plenty to play for as they aim to qualify for the Champions League knockouts for the first time in over a decade. Their win over Manchester United on matchday four lifted them up to second, although just a point separates the other three teams in the group.
Tuchel will shuffle his pack in midweek, and here’s the starting XI he could opt for.
GK: Manuel Neuer – It’s been business as usual for the Bayern legend since returning from a lengthy injury layoff. Neuer recorded another clean sheet in the Bundesliga on Friday night.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – A masterful technician, Mazraoui is an underrated member of this Bayern side, and he showed his versatility against FC Koln last time out by playing off the left flank.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – With Matthijs de Ligt out for the rest of 2023, Bayern’s centre-backs currently pick themselves.
CB: Kim Min-Jae – The South Korean will continue to partner Upamecano. Tuchel will be praying that Kim, along with the Frenchman, avoid any injury setbacks while De Ligt is absent.
LB: Alphonso Davies – The Canadian international was given some respite last time out as he was an unused substitute. However, he’ll almost certainly return to the XI on Wednesday night.
CM: Konrad Laimer – Laimer has quickly blossomed into one of Tuchel’s favourites. Versatile and hard-working, the Austrian midfielder is a coach’s dream.
CM: Leon Goretzka – Tuchel will surely rest one of his favoured pivot performers on Wednesday, with Joshua Kimmich, given his importance as a passer, the more likely to drop out.
RM: Serge Gnabry – Once destined for superstardom, Gnabry merely plays a supporting role in Bavaria.
AM: Thomas Muller – Starts have come few and far between for Muller so far this season, but he could get the nod in midweek with Jamal Musiala still absent.
LM; Kingsley Coman – Leroy Sane has featured heavily for Tuchel’s side at the start of 2023/24 and is due a breather. Thus, Coman will share the wings with Gnabry against Copenhagen.
ST: Harry Kane – Mathys Tel is waiting in the wings, but Kane will be keen to play on Wednesday so he can add to his Champions League goal tally. If he does start, Kane surely won’t last the full 90.
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