Following the 5-1 destruction of Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich return to the Allianz Arena, to take on Eintracht Frankfurt, as the focus shifts on the Bundesliga. With only two more matches before the international break, Bayern have their eyes set on maintaining their big lead at the top of the league standings.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by their Saturday’s opponents the last time the two sides met, in October last year. But the German champions will be hoping to avoid a similar fate this weekend.
The only absentee for Bayern will be central defender Jerome Boateng, who continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury. Other than him, Ancelotti has a clean bill of health and could pick a strong XI for Saturday.
Here is how Bayern could line up against Frankfurt:
Expected Bayern Munich Line-Up
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manuel Neuer (GK)
When you have the best goalkeeper in Europe in your ranks, dropping him doesn’t even come to the mind. An undisputed starter between the sticks for Bayern.
Philipp Lahm (RB)
The Die Roten captain sat out for the midweek European clash against Arsenal. Should come in for Rafinha on Saturday.
Javi Martinez (CB)
The Spaniard has become a mainstay at the back under Ancelotti this season. He will take the field once again this weekend.
Mats Hummels (CB)
Partnering Martinez in the heart of the defence will be Mats Hummels. The summer arrival has settled in nicely at Bayern and will look to keep putting on solid displays.
David Alaba (LB)
At left-back it will be the enterprise and exuberance of David Alaba. The Austrian is an extremely vital cog in the team and a sure starter for Saturday.
Xabi Alonso (CM)
In the midfield pivot, the experienced Xabi Alonso will feature. The Spaniard may have announced his retirement recently, but remains the man who keeps Bayern ticking in the midfield.
Arturo Vidal (CM)
Alongside Alonso, we expect Arturo Vidal to start from the kick-off ahead of the likes of Renato Sanches. The Chilean grabbed a late double against Arsenal on Tuesday and should keep his place.
Arjen Robben (RW)
On the right flank, we expect to see Arjen Robben take the field again. The Dutchman has been sensational recently and will hope to keep going against Frankfurt.
Thomas Muller (CAM)
Through the middle, it will be Thomas Muller who will come in the place of Thiago Alcantara. The German did not play a single minute against Gunners and hence he should feature from the start.
Douglas Costa (LW)
And on the left-hand side, we could see Douglas Costa come in for Franck Ribery. The Brazilian came on against the Gunners to have a great impact in the midweek and deserves a place in the starting XI.
Robert Lewandowski (ST)
Up front, it is a no-brainer really. Lewandowski has been scoring for fun for years now with Bayern and will start again on Saturday.