Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, could be crowned champions today for the 8th straight times provided the beat Monchengladbach, and second-placed Dortmund loses at Dusseldorf.
However, the Bavarians would have to do it weekend without the services of Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer, this season with 30 goals, are suspended for the clash due to accumulated yellow cards. The Poland striker is one short of the Bundesliga record of 21 assists in a single campaign, which he is expected to achieve before the season ends.
Bayern manager Flick said the absence of the striking partner is annoying, but nothing can be done about it.
So, in the likely line-up, Thiago Alcantara is likely to fill in for Mueller, while winger forward Serge Gnabry could slot in for Lewandowski if he overcomes his fitness concern. The German international is currently out with a back injury.
This is not the first time the Bavarian will be playing without their top scorer. In Lewandowski’s absence against Hoffenheim, Bayern demolished Hoffenheim in their backyard in late February.
Bayern Munich in the hunt for a treble
With their recent victory in Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern is still in the hunt to repeat their 2013 treble. The Bundesliga giant had beaten Chelsea 3-0 away in their Champions League last-16 first leg. So, there is still a chance for then in the money-spinning club tournament.
However, with Gladbach aiming for Champions League football, they could hold Bayern’s celebration until another week. Marco Rose’s men shocked Borussia Park with a 2-1 win away from home in December. They’ve have been on good form at home, crushing Union Berlin 4-1 at the end of May but suffered a defeat at Freiburg last weekend.
With Swiss forward Breel Embolo, now fit after an ankle knock, Rose could throw in the 23-year-old fit.
For Bayern, if Gnabry failed to shake off his back injury, Joshua Zirkzee could be thrown into the fray for just the third time this season. Another option at the disposal of the club is Ivan Perisic, who could also play in between the middle.
Gladbach will go into the clash without their top scorer, Alassane Plea, who has scored ten goals and just as many assists this season. He was red-carded in last Friday’s 1-0 loss to Freiburg.
Probable line-ups for Byarn VS Monchengladbach
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies – Kimmich, Martinez – Coman, Goretzka, Perisic, Thiago
Gladbach: Sommer – Lainer, Ginter, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Hofmann, Kramer, Neuhaus – Stindl (c) – Embolo, Thuram information on the use of cookiesLikely starting IX for
