Bayern Munich will get their Bundesliga title charge back underway after the international break, travelling to 17th-placed Koln on Friday night.
Koln have been in dire straits this season despite some encouraging performances, Steffen Baumgart’s side having not kept a clean sheet yet this term. That will be good news for the Bundesliga’s top scorer Harry Kane, who will be eager to add to his 17-goal domestic tally.
Bayern are unbeaten in their last 18 matches against Koln and should manage a victory at the RheinEnergieStadion with relative ease. Thomas Tuchel doesn’t have too many fitness concerns, so should field an incredibly strong lineup on Friday.
GK: Manuel Neuer – Sven Ulreich took some pelters for his iffy performances in Neuer‘s absence, but Bayern have been mightily relieved to welcome back their number one after a long absence. He’s been in typically good form following his return despite an extended period out of action.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Moroccan has little competition for his place, although Konrad Laimer has featured in his spot on occasion. The former Ajax defender should start against Koln to continue his recent run in the lineup.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – A significant injury to Matthijs de Ligt is expected to keep the Dutchman out until next year, meaning Upamecano is set to play a lot of football over the festive period. Luckily, the French defender has been in great form.
CB: Kim Min-jae – The South Korean has settled quickly after his move from Napoli in the summer and continues to be a commanding presence at the back for Bayern.
LB: Alphonso Davies – Despite recent rumours regarding the left-back’s future in Munich, Davies remains a hugely significant member of the Bayern squad. His fleet-footed runs down the left flank should give Koln some food for thought on Friday.
CM: Joshua Kimmich – Having served his suspension for a red card in an 8-0 victory over Darmstadt, Kimmich should slot straight back into the starting lineup in Cologne. The midfielder will need to shake off back-to-back defeats against Turkey and Austria on international duty with Germany.
CM: Leon Goretzka – The 28-year-old should be favoured to Laimer having found some good form in recent weeks. Goretzka offers the kind of powerful box-to-box running that will make him a threat against Koln.
RM: Leroy Sane – If it wasn’t for Kane’s brilliance, Sane would…
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