Matthaus intrigued by Guardiola line-up

The Germany and Bayern Munich legend thinks the team the Spaniard selects on Wednesday will be the side he views as his strongest

Lothar Matthaus believes Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich line-up against Shahktar Donetsk on Wednesday will give a strong indication of what he perceives to be his strongest team.

The Bundesliga leaders entertain Mircea Lucescu’s side at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie following a goalless draw in Ukraine on February 17.

In his column for Sport Bild, former Bayern star Matthaus said: “Players will pay close attention to who is in Guardiola’s starting XI on Wednesday against Shakhtar.

“After the 0-0 in the first leg, this formation will give a close indication as to what his strongest XI is in his head.”

One man whose position remains uncertain is striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been criticised more than once in his debut campaign in Munich after failing to replicate his goalscoring exploits at former club Borussia Dortmund.

Guardiola has been vocal in his support of the Poland international, but still named him on the bench before bringing him on after 31 minutes in the 3-1 Bundesliga win over Hannover on Saturday.

Matthaus added: “For me Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world, but Guardiola has a huge urge to experiment.

“Guardiola responded early on Saturday and properly. A distinguished coach has no fear of changing his decisions in public.”

Bayern have named Philipp Lahm in their 18-man squad for the first time since he suffered a fractured ankle in a training session on November 18.

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