Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs VfL Bochum - Bundesliga
By Max Parsons
Bayern Munich turn their attentions back to the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon as they host VfL Bochum at the Allianz Arena.
Die Roten will be full of confidence heading into the tie following a simple 3-0 victory over Barcelona in their opening Champions League game in midweek and a typically strong start to the league campaign, including 5-0 and 4-1 wins over Hertha Berlin and RB Leipzig respectively.
They should anticipate very few problems from their opposition on the weekend. Newly-promoted VfL Bochum have managed just one win and three defeats in their opening four fixtures of the season, leaving them 13th in the table.
So, to carry on in the winning groove, here's who Julian Nagelsmann could start against Bochum.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Manuel Neuer (GK) - The visit of Bochum will bring his 440th appearance for Bayern Munich. A legend of the club, who will once more captain the side on Saturday.
Benjamin Pavard (RB) - Struggled a little on his return form injury against Leipzig, although looked better in midweek and should retain his place despite the pressure form youngster Josip Stanisic.
Dayot Upamecano (CB) - Has enjoyed a good start to his Bayern career and is settling in well with Nagelsmann at the helm. A guaranteed starter for Die Roten at the moment.
Lucas Hernandez (CB) - Didn't feature at Camp Nou but should come back into the fold for this one. So adept defensively and brilliant at stepping out of defence with the ball.
Alphonso Davies (LB) - His invariably electric performances have made him a real favourite at the Allianz Arena and, due to his blistering pace and attacking threat, there's no way he doesn't start.
2. Midfielders
Joshua Kimmich (CM) - You just know his name will be there when looking at the Bayern team sheet. A subtly phenomenal creator and anchor, who is a certain future captain.
Leon Goretzka (CM) - Partnering him should be the refined wrecking ball that is Goretzka. Quick, strong, clinical - he's a model box-to-box midfielder and integral to Die Roten.
Thomas Muller (AM) - His midweek strike against Barca brings his early-season tally to three goals and two assists. Typically creative, elusive and influential in recent outings, Muller has earned yet another start.
3. Forwards
Leroy Sane (RW) - With Serge Gnabry coming off the bench to make his return from injury on Tuesday, there could be rotation on the flanks - although Sane seems a favoured option at the moment.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) - Aiming to score for a record-breaking 13th consecutive Bundesliga home fixture on Saturday. Given that he's scored in all of Bayern's competitive matches for the past seven months, shall we just give Lewandowski our congratulations now?
Jamal Musiala (LW) - A scintillatingly strong start to the 2021/22 season has seen him score four and assist three in seven appearances. He is truly one of this side's most frightening attacking threats and should start at the weekend.