Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen: Lineups, team news, a start for Marc Roca, and more!

International break is OVER! After watching Jogi Low’s Germany flail around for two weeks, Bayern Munich fans can finally enjoy some quality football again. Unfortunately, the break had its toll — some players are injured, some are fatigued, while others are probably reeling from the shock of a historic defeat. Werder Bremen, who come into the game with two weeks of rest, will probably fancy their chances this time.

Luckily, Bayern have Hansi Flick in charge, and Thomas Muller as his on-field assistant. With these two, getting things on track shouldn’t take too long. Or, at least that’s what we hope.

Team news

As per the press conference, Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba are back in training and ready to go. Marc Roca and Tanguy Nianzou trained well over the break and are an both available to start tomorrow. Unfortunately, Corentin Tolisso isn’t fit and will miss the game, while Alphonso Davies (ankle) and Joshua Kimmich (knee) both remain sidelined for the time being.

This puts Hansi Flick in a tough spot, especially in midfield. However, we can still guess his lineup. Starting up top will likely be Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, with Kingsley Coman and possibly Douglas Costa behind him. This would allow Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane to be rested for the game against RB Salzburg in midweek. Expect to see Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting as well, but probably as a sub to save Lewandowski’s legs.

In midfield, Marc Roca should probably expect his first Bundesliga start, alongside the ever-industrious Leon Gorezka. Javi Martinez is another option at defensive midfield for Hansi Flick, but postponing Roca’s debut any further will start raise some uncomfortable questions. The young Spaniard has only featured against fifth tier Duren in the DFB Pokal. If after 1.5 months of training, if he’s still not ready to play against the likes of Werder, then when is he ever going to get minutes?

The defense is a big question mark, given that we don’t know the fitness status of Lucas Hernandez. Hansi didn’t mention the Frenchman in his press conference, so we can assume that he’s alright. If so, then he’s likely to start at left-back, with David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, and Benjamin Pavard rounding out the defense. Manuel Neuer, eager to forget the six goals he conceded on Tuesday, will don the captain’s armband in goal.

So, without further ado, here’s how we think Bayern will line up tomorrow:

Other options:

• Choupo-Moting instead of Lewandowski, to give Lewy some rest.
• Tanguy Nianzou instead of Marc Roca in midfield.
• Javi Martinez instead of Marc Roca in midfield.
• Buona Sarr instead of Benjamin Pavard at right-back.
• Niklas Sule in for Lucas Hernandez (if injured), Alaba to left-back.
• Serge Gnabry or Leroy Sane in for either of the wingers.