Bayern Munich haven’t exactly convinced in the Champions League group stages thus far, but they’re nonetheless on the brink of progressing into the round of 16.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have been forced to grind out wins at Kobenhavn and Galatasaray to extend their unbeaten run at this stage of the competition to a remarkable 37 games. The Turkish giants gave them plenty to think about in the reverse fixture two weeks back, but Bayern rallied late to win 3-1.
They now welcome Galatasaray to the Allianz Arena off the back of their most impressive performance of the Tuchel era so far. Bayern dazzled in their 4-0 Der Klassiker victory as Harry Kane stole the show.
Die Roten will now be intent on securing their place in the round of 16, and here’s the starting lineup Tuchel could deploy on Wednesday night.
GK: Manuel Neuer – Neuer has started Bayern’s past three games following his year-long absence. The German legend was in fine form at the weekend as he kept his second consecutive Bundesliga clean sheet.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – Tuchel is not going to go back to Bouna Sarr which means Mazraoui will earn a sustained run in the starting XI.
CB: Kim Min-jae – Bayern are short at centre-back, but summer arrival Kim has been a constant at the heart of Tuchel’s defence.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Upamecano’s return was a timely one given Bayern have lost Matthijs de Ligt for the remainder of 2023. The Frenchman scored in Saturday’s Der Klassiker win.
LB: Alphonso Davies – Raphael Guerreiro’s injury woes mean Davies has been ubiquitous in Bayern’s starting XI at the start of 2023/24.
CM: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern’s captain missed the trip to Dortmund due to suspension and should return to starting XI on Wednesday. Kimmich was poor in the reverse fixture.
CM: Leon Goretzka – The powerful German midfielder was back in action on Saturday and there’s no doubt that Bayern have missed Goretzka’s all-action nature in recent weeks. He’s an upgrade on the dogged Konrad Laimer.
RM: Serge Gnabry – Tuchel could bring Gnabry back into the starting XI after he was an unused substitute at Dortmund. Kingsley Coman will be the man to drop out.
AM: Jamal Musiala – Thomas Muller remains an important part of Die Roten, but his minutes are dwindling with Musiala taking full command of the number 10 role.
LM: Leroy Sane – The former Manchester City winger has enjoyed an electric start to the season and has particularly enjoyed linking up with Kane. Sane will be looking to exploit the space Galatasaray surrender in behind their full-backs.
ST: Harry Kane – Fresh off back-to-back Bundesliga hat-tricks, Kane will be determined to add to his Champions League goal tally on Wednesday. The striker scored in the reverse fixture two weeks ago.
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