A match with far-reaching implications kicks off in a few hours, as FC Bayern Munich tries to claw our way into a Champions League spot vs. a dangerous Leverkusen team. We've been following the injury situation all week, and today's new is not good: both Ribery and Bastian missed training yesterday, and are considered doubtful. Together with Holger Badsuter (5 yellow cards) and Arjen Robben (suspension), our new care-taker manager will have a lot of tough decisions to make.
My best guess at a line-up yesterday involved both Klose and Gomez up front, with Muller, Kroos and Altintop behind them (Muller in the middle, Kroos and Hamit on either side). But we haven't been able to confirm anything yet, and Jonker is playing it close to the vest. We probably won't have an exact line-up until close to kick-off.
Leverkusen is red-hot, winners of 5 straight and having lost only twice since the winter break. Michael Ballack and young Chilean middie Arturo Vidal are probably their best-known players, but midfielder Sidney Sam and striker Stefan Kiessling worry me as well. With HJB in goal, limiting Leverkusen chances is a must.
As I said yesterday, I have a surprisingly good feeling about the game. I don't know why, just a hunch. I think Klose might be ready to show everyone he's not washed up yet. Viva Viva FC Bayern!