Daily Schmankerl: A prediction for Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig; PSG wants Kai Havertz; Bayern scoping Tottenham Hotspur’s Troy Parrott; Real Madrid’s failed attempts for Robert Lewandowski; An update on Mario Mandzukic; and MORE!

Bayern vs. Leipzig: A prediction (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig will square off today in what should be a rollicking affair that features a ton of talent on the pitch. The action should be fast-paced and intense, this match should just be a ton of fun to watch overall.

For Bayern Munich, much will come down to who is in Niko Kovac’s starting XI and how he aligns them. With the reports out that RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann will target Bavarian defender Benjamin Pavard, it will be interesting to see if Kovac opts to include the Frenchman in the staring line-up. The choice between Pavard and Joshua Kimmich at right-back will likely influence the rest of the squad as well. If Pavard is included as a right-back, Kimmich will slide to the central midfield which means two of Thomas Muller, Philippe Coutinho, Javi Martinez, and Corentin Tolisso will be on the bench.

For Leipzig, I am interested to see if Nagelsmann unleashes Die Roten Bullen’s attacking style or if he reels them back in to play a physical, yet conservative style. No question, Willi Orban and Ibrahima Konante will both be tasked with roughing up Robert Lewandowski. Per Goal, Nagelsmann is also expecting a big game from Timo Werner, who flirted heavily with Bayern Munich over the summer:

Individual quality can always be crucial, so it could be key for us if we have a Timo Werner in top form. He was very good in training [on Wednesday] and he will be a very important factor. He is able to really hurt Bayern.

As far as injuries go, Leon Goretzka will be out for Bayern Munich, while RB Leipzig is significantly more banged up. Dayot Upamecano is reportedly almost fully fit and could play, while the status of Patrik Schick and Kevin Kampl is more questionable than probable. Also, Tyler Adams is still banged up and nursing a groin injury.

I’m expecting this one to a blast. I want to see fast and fun football from these two sides, but in the end I’m expecting Bayern Munich to be able to outlast a spirited effort from Die Roten Bullen.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3, RB Leipzig 2

I can’t think of the burgeoning rivalry between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig without thinking about this crazy game, which culminated with an all-time goal from Arjen Robben:

PSG wants Havertz, too (Transfer Market Web)

In the initial reports regarding which teams would be plotting a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were not among the power clubs listed. In the last week, however, Juve has jumped into the mix, while Liverpool left the chat. Now, PSG is also going to throw its hat in the ring:

Most likely after having placed Julian Draxler somewhere else, PSG management are planning a run at German international attacking midfielder Kai Havertz (20). Bayer Leverkusen are claiming for a 3-figure transfer fee for their 1999-born, also tracked by Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Manchester United.

With the Borussia Dortmund power duo of Marco Reus and Julian Brandt making a strong case for Havertz to join them and Bayern Munich also very interested in the 20-year-old, things are going to be wild as we get close to next summer’s transfer window.

The side note to that report is that PSG seems intent on unloading Draxler soon as well.

ICYMI: The first full episode of Der Ausblick has launched (Bavarian Podcast Works)

If you have 15 minutes to spare as you get hyped for today’s match, give Jake Fenner and I listen as we launched our latest show, “Der Ausblick”, where we look at the match-ups and strategies for the RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich fixture and also give our predictions. It will be a great way for you to gear up before the action starts (and if not — blame Jake!).

This will be a new weekly show aimed to compliment the Bavarian Podcast Works flagship show.

Bayern scoping Spurs prospect Troy Parrott (Four Four Two)

Bayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan are all scoping Tottenham Hotspur 17-year-old forward Troy Parrott:

The 17-year-old is highly rated at the Premier League club and featured for the first team in preseason friendlies against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus. The Italian champions were impressed by the Republic of Ireland youth international and will continue to track his development, Calciomercato reports.

Need to see some footage on Parrott? Here you go:

MLS and Qatari teams tracking Mandzukic (Transfer Market Web)

Mario Mandzukic does not appear to be in the plans for Juventus at all this season, so now the vultures are beginning to circle — including some MLS and Qatari clubs:

Still on the line at Juventus, former Croatian international striker Mario Mandzukic (33), tracked hard by several Qatari Stars League sides, has been bid on by a Major League Soccer side as well. Previously approached by such clubs as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and PSG, Mostro (an Italian nickname given to the accomplished player, whose meaning is “Ghoul”) Mandzukic hasn’t been called up by Maurizio Sarri for the upcoming Serie Matchday 3 away game against Fiorentina.

I think Mandzukic still can offer a Champions League-caliber team something. The winter transfer window should be interesting for him.

Goretzka on crutches (Instagram — leon_goretzka)

Despite his injury and having surgery this week, Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka seems in good spirits:

Bayern stoned Los Blancos three times on Lewy pursuit (Transfer Market Web)

Capturing a report from Sport Bild, Transfer Market Web listed out the three times that Real Madrid was turned down when it came calling for Robert Lewandowski:

According to Sport Bild, Real Madrid got turned down three times on their attempts to sign Polish international striker Robert Lewandowski, 31 nowadays and playing for Bayern Munich since 2014/15: back in 2013, just before he got signed over to Bayern by Borussia Dortmund (which he was left in as a loanee all 2013/14 long), then again in summer 2015, and 2018 one. The world-class hitman is still on a deal with Bundesliga defending champions until June 2023.