Bayern Munich vs. FC Rostov, Champions League: Starting lineup features the return of Douglas Costa

Douglas Costa is back in the Bayern Munich staring eleven. The Brazilian international made on appearance on Friday against Schalke, coming off the bench, but he spells the aging Franck Ribery while Carlo Ancelotti does the same for Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso.

Joshua Kimmich’s appearance in midfield is going to show just how much he has progressed in the last six months and where he stands in relation to nabbing the long term starting job in Bayern Munich’s midfield.

Anticipated Tactical Setup

Look for Thomas Müller to drift internally to form a two striker partnership with Robert Lewandowski as Rafinha pushes attacks high on the right. Joshua Kimmich and Rafinha did a great deal of interchanging to balance the right side of the Bayern Munich formation in their DFB Pokal match against USV Jena so look to see if that trend continues in their play together.

On the defensive side, Javi Martinez mobility will be able to give Bayern defensive cover in transition play on the right but shutting down Rostov counterattacks is going to be key. That cover allows Rafinha and Kimmich a little more latitude to push forward in conjunction with Müller’s off ball movements.

David Alaba’s partnership with Franck Ribery is second to none but his relationship with Costa was something that never developed under Pep Guardiola who focused the Austrian’s play elsewhere. How they work together could prove a key element in how effective Bayern Munich are at breaking down what will most likely be a Rostov low block.

Bayern Munich Bench

FC Rostov Lineup

To be announced