A tough night awaits Vincent Kompany (38)!
As Bayern Munich prepares to face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 matchup tonight (9 PM CET), head coach Vincent Kompany still has crucial lineup decisions to make.
While key players such as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (38), center-backs Dayot Upamecano (26) and Minjae Kim (27), left-back Alphonso Davies (24), midfield leader Joshua Kimmich (30), playmaker Jamal Musiala (22), right-winger Michael Olise (23), and star striker Harry Kane (31) are all locked into the starting XI, three positions remain up for grabs.
Right-Back Position: Laimer Leads the Race
There is fierce competition for the right-back spot, with Konrad Laimer (27), Sacha Boey (24), and Raphaël Guerreiro (31) all in contention. Laimer appears to have the best shot at starting, having gained the most experience in the role this season. His rivals have struggled with injuries—Stanisic has been sidelined with a knee issue, while Boey has dealt with multiple setbacks, including thigh, knee, and ankle problems. Although Guerreiro has occasionally filled in at right-back, his current dip in form makes him an unlikely choice for the crucial Champions League fixture.
Midfield Battle: Goretzka vs. Palhinha
The battle for the midfield spot alongside Kimmich is between two top-tier options—Leon Goretzka (30) and João Palhinha (29). Palhinha has had a difficult start to the year, dealing with a long-term adductor injury followed by a severe bout of the flu. He has only made one start in 2024, featuring in Bayern’s 3-1 Bundesliga win over Stuttgart last Friday. Given his lack of recent match fitness, Kompany is likely to favor Goretzka for this high-stakes encounter. Aleksandar Pavlović (20) is unavailable due to illness.
Left-Wing Dilemma: A Three-Way Fight
Unlike the right flank, where summer signing Michael Olise (brought in from Crystal Palace for €51 million) has locked down the position with 13 goals and 12 assists, Bayern has struggled to find a consistent performer on the left wing. This means Leroy Sané (29), Kingsley Coman (28), and Serge Gnabry (29) are all battling for a starting spot against Leverkusen. With no clear standout performer in recent weeks, Kompany’s final decision could come down to tactical considerations and individual form on the day.
With the Champions League knockout stage underway, every selection decision could prove decisive for Bayern’s European ambitions. Who will get the nod? The answer will be revealed when Bayern takes the pitch at the Allianz Arena tonight.
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