Bayern Munich host AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The hosts sit second in Group E behind leaders Ajax, with the two likely to take the top two spots and secure themselves at least one round of knockout football. The hosts come into the game in good form, having won four of their last 5 fixtures, drawing the other.
AEK will be looking to sneak into third position in the group ahead of Benfica, with Champions League knockout football an unlikely result for them. They are in good form with four successive domestic clean sheets and will need a near-perfect performance if they want to leave Munich with a result.
Here’s a look at how Bayern might line up for the fixture.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Manuel Neuer (GK) – After spending a lot of time on the treatment table last season, Neuer has struggled to regain his form which saw him as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.
Joshua Kimmich (RB) – Kimmich has effortlessly filled Phillip Lahm’s boots and has been a consistent performer for Bayern and Germany over the last few years.
Jerome Boateng (CB) – Boateng has looked unconvincing at the back in recent games and will look to regain his top form from last season.
Niklas Sule (CB) – With Mats Hummels an injury doubt it is likely that Sule will feature alongside Boateng having been used plenty already this season.
David Alaba (LB) – Another player who has perhaps not shown his best in recent weeks, Alaba will be hoping his, and Bayern’s defensive capabilities, can be boosted.
2. Midfielders
Javi Martinez (CM) – The Spaniard will play the anchor role in the middle of midfield, providing defensive security to supplement Bayern’s wealth of attacking options.
Thomas Muller (RCM) – Muller has only three goals for Bayern Munich so far this season in all competitions and has been used consistently as a substitute.
James Rodriguez (LCM) – Rodriguez has been fairly consistent this season and will be the creative spark in midfield. He is looking for his first goal in Europe this year and will hopefully get it against AEK.
3. Forwards
Arjen Robben (FWR) – Robben has menaced defenders for years with his pace and quick feet, and at 34 years of age he will want to show he can still do it at the top level.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) – Lewandowski looked to be struggling at the start of this season, but has improved over the last few weeks and will be the spearhead for Bayern’s dangerous attack.
Frank Ribery (FWL) – Ribery is on his way back from a short-term injury and will want to start the game having played the last few fixtures as a substitute to regain fitness. He will want to kick-start his season against AEK having failed to score so far this season in club competition.
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