Bayern Munich hosts St. Pauli on matchday 12 in the Bundesliga and, for the first time this season, will look to bounce back from defeat.
Vincent Kompany’s side lost for the first time since the Club World Cup last summer as Arsenal beat them 3-1 midweek in the Champions League. Standing in their way is a St. Pauli side that has lost their last eight Bundesliga games and currently occupies 17th place. What could go wrong?…
Bayern still sit pretty at the summit of the Bundesliga, having won ten and drawn once in 11 matches. Despite this, the game against Arsenal highlighted some weaknesses in the Bayern back line. When asked about Manuel Neuer’s mistake, and if Jonas Urbig would be replacing the number one, Kompany explained:
“What mistake are we talking about? I have a different opinion on that – what are you supposed to do as a goalkeeper, wait until he runs at you 1v1? Or come out and help your teammate and anticipate the situation halfway? I’m a bit surprised by the question.”
On Jonas Urbig:
“When we decide to change the goalkeeper, it’s always in consultation with Manu. We didn’t do that this time, and I have to consider what’s best for the team. We also want Jonas Urbig to improve – but the timing needs to be discussed calmly; we haven’t done that yet. I’ve only been focused on St. Pauli.”
During Alexander Blessin’s press conference, the St. Pauli coach was aware of the task ahead:
“It’s going to be a challenge, but where did you want to play as a kid? I’m sure many of us thought about playing at Bayern Munich. Last season, it was a great feeling and a great game. We’ll have to suffer, that’s clear, but we have to push ourselves to the limit. We’ll need to hit a good day and have luck on our side.”
He’s not wrong. St. Pauli have only scored nine goals all season, whilst Bayern have only conceded eight.
You’d expect the away side to go for five or even six at the back at times, but they will also need to be pragmatic in their attacking approach. Sitting back simply won’t work.
Team News
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich welcomed back Serge Gnabry in midweek, who replaced the suspended Luis Diaz. However, it’s likely that Diaz will come straight back into the starting 11 at the expense of Gnarby.
The German winger played his part in a cracking Bayern goal against Arsenal, but head coach Vincent Kompany will most likely opt for Diaz and Michael Olise on either side.
Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are back in some team training; however, a return this weekend is too soon. Both should be available towards the end of December and at the beginning of the rückrunde (second half of the season). Certainly a scary thought for fellow Bundesliga and Champions League teams.
St. Pauli
For St. Pauli, they’re still expected to be without David Memeth, who is overcoming a groin injury. Additionally, Alexander Blessin is also expected to be without Adam Dzwigala, Arkadiusz, and Manolis Saliakas.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
