Lewandowski And Thiago To Start | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Bayern Munich Lineup Vs FC Barcelona | OneFootball

Bayern Munich will brace themselves for arguably their toughest test this season when they lock horns with FC Barcelona in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League on Friday. The Bavarians are coming on the back of a thumping 7-1 aggregate win over Chelsea in the last round, but need to be cautious this time around.

Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs Barcelona

Defence

Bayern Munich were offered a huge boost yesterday when the club confirmed that Jerome Boateng would be fit to feature against Barcelona. The German had picked up a knock in the win over Chelsea but is set to retain his role at the heart of Bayern’s four-man backline, alongside the reliable David Alaba.

At right-back, however, Benjamin Pavard remains injured while Alvaro Odriozola will not be risked against such strong opposition, meaning Joshua Kimmich is once again a favourite to start in his previous role. The German international will be able to play with more freedom this time around as he has no booking to worry about.

Benjamin Davies, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter at left-back. His pace could be critical as Bayern look to exploit Barcelona’s weakness on the right flank.

Finally, Manuel Neuer is set to retain his role in between the sticks, although the German must improve from his performance against Chelsea.

Midfield

Kimmich starting in defence means Thiago Alcantara will pretty much occupy his role in central midfield. It will be interesting to see how the Spaniard performs against his former team this week, especially in the number eight role where he will be up against Frenkie de Jong.

Thiago will be supported by midfielder Leon Goretzka in the double-pivot. The German’s strength and tenacity could be crucial in the second line of press. Corentin Tolisso is an alternative option for coach Hansi Flick, in the middle of the park.

Attack

Bayern Munich are likely to persist with the same attacking combination they had used in the win over Chelsea. Serge Gnabry and Ivan Perisic are set to operate in the wider offensive roles, with Thomas Muller featuring as the Ramdeuter.

These three will be in charge of providing the creative essence and supply in the final third, with Barcelona loanee Philippe Coutinho being another option. Finally, the Bayern Munich attack will be spearheaded by none other than the competition’s top-scorer, Robert Lewandowski.