Predicted Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig XIs

In the opening match of the final matchday before the winter break, Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig as both teams look to end the year on a high.

Both teams are missing key players through injury. However, Bayern expects that they will have both Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies back at the start of the 11th. Kane has been absent since the end of November with a hamstring injury while Davies missed Bayern’s games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Mainz also with a hamstring problem. Dayot Upamecano also returns to the starting 11 after missing out last weekend due to a risk of suspension as he is currently on four yellow cards.

Apart from the returns of Kane and Davies, Bayern’s injury absentees list remains long with the likes of Manuel Neuer and João Palhinha out until the new year. 

After initial hope that Xavi Simons would at least be fit enough for the bench on Friday night, Leipzig confirmed that he will be absent for the game and will only return in the new year. The only other major absentee for Leipzig is Castello Lukeba. 

Leipzig themselves have a big return as left-back David Raum makes his return to the squad and is potentially even fit enough to start. This could then allow Antonio Nusa a licence to play further forward. 

Predicted XIs (via kicker):

Bayern Munich: 

Daniel Peretz – Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Min-Jae Kim, Alphonso Dsvies – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic – Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – Harry Kane

RB Leipzig:

Peter Gulacsi – Benjamin Henrichs, Nicolas Seiwald, Willi Orban, Luthsharel Geertruida –  Arthur Vermeeren, Xaver Schlager – Christoph Baumgartner, Antonio Nusa – Benjamin Seško, Loïs Openda

GGFN | Jack Meenan