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Bayer Munich vs Carl Zeiss Jena, 2016 DFB Pokal: Lineups

Carlo Ancelotti is not playing around

FC Bayern Muenchen - Training Session Photo by Marc Mueller/Bongarts/Getty Images

Bayern Munich are not taking any chances in the early goings of the DFB Pokal. Against 4th division opponents FC Carl Zeiss Jena, they are pulling out all the stop with a nearly 100% first string lineup. Not even Sven Ulreich is getting a run out.

Overwhelmingly this is the right call for Carlo Ancelotti. The Euros really put a massive wrench in his preseason and the vast majority of his team has only been in training for two weeks. This is still their preseason and he needs to find out how his player will work with his ideals. Going first choice across the board is what is needed.

Likely Tactical Setup

Franck Ribery - Robert Lewandowski - Thomas Müller

Philipp Lahm - Arturo Vidal - Joshua Kimmich

Juan Bernat - David Alaba - Javi Martinez - Rafinha

That combination of Rafinha, Philipp Lahm, and Joshua Kimmich is likely to be a rotating cast of characers. With any of them capable of stepping into midfield or pulling out onto the wing to play defense expect a fluid rotation that attacks high on the right as Thomas Müller drifts centrally.

David Alaba is likely back at centerback with the inclusion of Juan Bernat given that Franck Ribery has the left-sided attacking zone nailed down.

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