Bayern Munich will be looking to strengthen its position at the summit of the Bundesliga when it welcomes struggling Wolfsburg to the Allianz Arena on Sunday.
The Bavarian outfit have never lost home league games against the Wolves, a streak that dates back to 1997. They have won 26 such meetings, drawing the other two.
Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 11th January.
- Kick-off: 4:30pm BST.
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich.
Bayern Munich team news
Bayern Munich appear to have overcome their injury woes in time for the resumption of the Bundesliga following the winter break. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recovered from a thigh injury sustained during the 2-2 draw against Mainz 05 and is expected to feature on Sunday. The German international participated fully in training this week and will be available for selection.
Alphonso Davies has made a triumphant return to action following his lengthy rehabilitation from a severe cruciate ligament and meniscus injury that sidelined him for over eight months. The Canadian international made his comeback on 9 December in the Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon and has subsequently featured in Bundesliga action as well. Vincent Kompany has praised Davies’s incredible dedication and mental fortitude during his recovery process. However, Alphonso Davies is reportedly dealing with an illness and did not participate fully in training sessions, along with Sacha Boey, who is also ill.
However, Joshua Kimmich remains in doubt and is expected to miss the clash against Wolfsburg due to a recurring ankle issue that has plagued him since mid-November. The versatile midfielder is undergoing individual training sessions as a precautionary measure, with Bayern sporting director Max Eberl keen to ensure he regains full fitness for the remainder of the season. Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to partner in midfield should Kimmich remain unavailable.
Jamal Musiala, Bayern’s brilliant attacking midfielder, is closing in on his comeback after recovering from a broken fibula and dislocated ankle sustained at the Club World Cup in July. The 22-year-old has returned to team training and is targeting a comeback in early January, though coach Kompany is taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. Also unavailable is Nicolas Jackson due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Wolfsburg team news
Wolfsburg’s injury woes are more concerning, with several players unavailable for the trip to Munich. Jonas Wind is sidelined with a hip injury that is expected to keep him out until mid-January. Rogerio also faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury, while Joakim Maehle continues to miss out with a serious shoulder injury that has kept him out of action.
Bence Dardai is out for the long term due to his cruciate ligament injury and will not be back until July. Andreas Skov Olsen is also injured (muscle). Mohammed Amoura is on national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and will not be involved in this match.
However, recent transfer activity has provided some optimism for the Lower Saxony outfit. Brazilian centre-back Cleiton, who arrived from Flamengo on a deal running until June 2030, will provide defensive reinforcement. The commanding 6’4″ defender has impressed during pre-season preparations and could feature in the starting lineup.
Form
Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany’s side ended the calendar year in exceptional form, maintaining their unbeaten league record and extending their dominance across all competitions. Bayern demolished FC Heidenheim 4-0 on 21 December. They also started the year well with a 5-0 win over Salzburg in a friendly. Bayern currently sit on top of the Bundesliga table with 41 points in 15 matches.
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg’s campaign has been turbulent and inconsistent, with the club struggling to find any semblance of consistency under new coach Daniel Bauer. However, the 43-year-old manager has managed to stabilise the side since taking over on an interim basis in November, earning seven points from his first four matches in charge.
Recent victories over Union Berlin (3-1) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (1-3) have provided some encouragement, though the Lower Saxons remain perilously close to the relegation zone with just 15 points from 15 matches. A 3-4 defeat to SC Freiburg in their final match before the winter break illustrated their continued defensive fragility.
Predicted lineups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Karl, Olise, Diaz; Kane
Wolfsburg: Grabara; Kumbedi, Koulierakis, Jenz, Zehnter; Gerhardt, Arnold; Wimmer, Majer, Eriksen; Pejcinovic
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg?
In the UK, the fans can watch the match live on Amazon PPV.
Read – Five of the biggest FA Cup third round upsets
See Also – Arsenal agree new long-term contract with Bukayo Saka
Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
