Bayern Munich vs Ajax: Lineups, team news, will Nagelsmann opt for changes, and more! (Updated)

Bayern Munich play their second game of the preseason on Saturday, and this time it’s Ajax Amsterdam who have been invited to play what is basically a reserve team. This will be Erik ten Hag’s first return to Munich since the incredible 3-3 draw under Niko Kovac back in 2018, so let’s hope for another similarly exciting game with no injuries.

Team news

Julian Nagelsmann still has only a barebones squad for these friendlies, so it’s hard to glean any information from them. The likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski, and the rest of Bayern’s Euro contingent are still on vacation — only Serge Gnabry returned early to team training. However, the winger will be unavailable for the game tomorrow.

In terms of injuries, 17-year-old talent Lucas Copado hurt his thumb and will be out for weeks, while Chris Richards missed training with muscular problems. Taylor Booth and Christopher Scott, who left the Koln game with injuries, are fit and should be ready to play in the squad.

Given the lack of first team players and the fact that it’s preseason, it’s almost impossible to predict Nageslmann’s XI tomorrow. Here’s what I think we might see, based on the performances from last week’s game:

• Armindo Sieb has apparently impressed Julian Nagelsmann a lot. The youngster is getting special attention from the coach and might be the team’s next big youth surprise if he develops.
• Bayern’s offense looked lost without Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leading the line. He’s no Lewandowski, but he’s the senior-most attacker on the squad and the only one capable of holdup play at the moment.
• Dayot Upamecano and Tanguy Nianzou could play together for the French connection.
• Omar Richards needs more game time to acclimate to the squad. With both Alphonso Davies and Lucas Hernandez injured for the beginning of the season, there are valuable minutes to get him up to speed.
• More Christopher Scott on the lineup is always a good thing.
• Rhein and Booth looked impressive in their outings last weekend.
• Tillman is a highly rated talent, it would be nice to see him start a game.
• Anyone but Buona Sarr. Please, not him.

What do you think of the lineup? Who do you think Nagelsmann will start tomorrow? Will he finally go for a 3-man-backline? Comment below!

Update

So this is interesting ...

Who are the kids we’ll see tomorrow? Bright Arrey-Mbi was one of those who was subbed off, so maybe he’ll be there. Who else? Perhaps a few attackers. Anyway, let’s look forward to the game!