Bayern Munich-Cologne is a match valid for the 29th day of the Bundesliga and is played on Saturday at 3:30pm: live TV, probable formations, predictions.
After eleven very long years, Bayern Munich’s unchallenged dominance in Germany is officially coming to an end. The Bavarians are one step away from surrendering the coveted Meisterschale to Bayer Leverkusen, who if they get the better of Werder Bremen on Sunday would become champions for the first time in their history. Thomas Tuchel’s team, second in the standings and plunged to -16 from Xabi Alonso’s men, however, has a chance to delay Werkself’s celebration, which could even triumph before they take the field.
Yes, because if Bayern Munich were to cash in on another defeat – it would be their third in a row – and third-placed Stuttgart also run out of points, Leverkusen would become unreachable and celebrate 24 hours early. Neuer and his teammates will try to pull out their pride: after unexpected knockouts in a row against Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim, they have been joined by Stuttgart on 60 points and should definitely not risk being sucked into the fight for fourth place, as Leipzig and Dortmund, currently on 53 points, are no longer so far behind. In the background, of course, is the return quarterfinal with Arsenal, scheduled as early as next week.
Tuchel, turnover in sight?
Tuesday in London ended 2-2, with Bayern playing “like Bayern” and after upending the Gunners in the second half they were caught with a quarter of an hour to go by former Brighton man Trossard’s goal
Tuchel, with the championship now gone, could rest several starters in the challenge with Cologne, which travels to the Allianz Arena with some enthusiasm after its success in the direct clash with Bochum (2-1). The Billy Goats, coming off two positive results, remain second-to-last in the standings but the salvation zone is now only four points away. Nothing, in short, is yet lost.
The prediction
All right the talk about motivation, all right that there is the “distraction” of the Champions League. But another Bayern Munich defeat would be truly sensational. In our opinion, the Bavarians should win this one, although Cologne – who have not beaten Bayern in 19 games – will sell their skins dearly. We predict a match of at least three goals overall.
Bayern Munich-Cologne
likely lineups.
BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Pavlović, Goretzka; Sané, Musiala, Coman; Kane.
COLONIA (4-4-2): Schwäbe; Thielmann, Hübers, Chabot, Finkgräfe; Alidou, Huseinbašić, Ljubicic, Kainz; Adamyan, Tigges.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
