Bayern Munich kick-off a crucial ten day period with DFB Pokal semi-final game away against Bayer Leverkusen.
The games are about to come thick and fast for Bayern Munich in the final part of the season. After clinching the Bundesliga title, Bayern will now focus on their cup competitions. They have crucial games in both the Champions League and DFB Pokal in the next few weeks. The first game is the semi-finals of the German cup, in which Bayern travel away to Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern ended an eventful week with an empahtic victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The Bavarians went a goal behind early in the game but responded well after that. Bayern have enjoyed a good run of form lately, as they have won four out of their last five games.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage their season by booking a trip to Berlin. The hosts have enjoyed a decent campaign in the Bundesliga. They sit third in the table and are likely to make a return to the Champions League next season. They are on a similar run to Bayern in their last five games.
Team News
Bayern Munich suffered a huge blow yesterday when Arturo Vidal suffered an injury in training. The Chilean was recovering from a minor injury for the past two weeks. He was set to make his return on Tuesday, but he is likely to be out for several more weeks. Jupp Heynckes confirmed in his press conference that the midfielder will undergo surgery on his knee.
No @kingarturo23
for trip to Leverkusen.
Get well soon, Arturo!
fc.bayern/VidalKnee #MiaSanMia #B04FCB
Apart from Vidal, Corentin Tolisso is also a doubt for the game on Tuesday. The Frenchman suffered a knock on Saturday and will have a late fitness test for this game. Manuel Neuer is slowly gaining fitness, but he is unlikely to feature against Leverkusen. Kingsley Coman is the only long-term absentee for Bayern.
Predicted XI
Heynckes is likely to go with his best eleven for this game. Sven Ulreich will keep his place in goal. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng will probably start in the heart of the defense. David Alaba is completely fit now and is likely to slot in at the left-back position after an immense performance over the weekend. On the right side of the back four Joshua Kimmich is likely to start.
In the center of the park, Javi Martinez will return in the holding midfield role. Thiago Alcantara is likely to partner his fellow countryman. James Rodriguez will occupy the attacking midfield role to complete the midfield three.
Sandro Wagner was on fire against Gladbach on Saturday. However, he is likely to be on the bench for this game as Robert Lewandowski comes back in the line-up. Thomas Muller is likely to start on the right flank while Franck Ribery occupies the left flank.
UlriechKimmich-Boateng-Hummels-AlabaRodriguez-Martinez-ThiagoMuller-Lewandowski-Ribery
Opposition Focus
Bayern Munich will enjoy a lot of possession in this game which will be quiet favourable for the home side. They are threatening on the counter so Bayern will have to avoid sloppiness, especially in midfield. Leverkusen have not been exactly dominating at home but you cannot rule them out in a one off game.
Leon Bailey has been one of the best players in the Bundesliga this season. He will be a key player for the home side in this game. Along with Bailey, there is a lot of exciting attacking talent in this Leverkusen squad. Kevin Volland has been their top scorer in the Bundesliga with 14 goals. On their days, Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz can also cause a lot of problems to the opposition.
Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Bayern Munich
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