Manchester City meet Tuchel’s Bayern in what’s set to be a thrilling encounter between two of the Europe’s elite.
Both sides still have some unfinished business in the transfer market and a few more new faces are expected at both clubs. Bayern have been the more active of the two though, bringing in Kim Min Jae, Konrad Laimer and the former Borussia man Raphael Guerreiro. City on the other hand have only managed to sign Mateo Kovacic so far.
The last time these two met was just a few months ago, clashing in the Champions Leagues quarter finals. Both games were a real treat for the neutrals, with City progressing with a 4-1 victory on aggregate before sealing the deal versus Inter in the finals.
Manchester City’s form (all competitions): D L W W W.
Bayern Munich’s form (all competitions): W W L W W.
When & Where?
DATE: 26th July, 2023
TIME: 12.30pm CEST
VENUE: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo
Team News
Bayern Munich
Everyone but Guerreiro (calf) and Müller (hip) are set to miss out on the match.
Manchester City
Everyone is reportedly fit and ready for Guardiola’s side.
Tactical Setup
Bayern went rampant in their last friendly, scoring no less than 27 goals against the ninth tier German side FC Rottach-Egern. They fielded a four at the back with Kimmich and Laimer in the pivot and Tel, Gnabry and Sane up top with Musiala in behind.
The same quartet could start once again up top when City come knocking at the door. It’s an attack full of energy and flair but one which lacks a key focal point up top. The move for Kane has been plotting up all summer and you can just envision him in that former Lewandowski role where he can link up the play and yet be a deadly finisher. Bayern have managed to win the league once again last season but the hole left by Lewandowski was very much felt and Kane could be the guy to fully replace him.
City on the other hand had a goal fest of their own in the already mentioned Japan National Stadium against Yokohama few days ago. City started with Walker, Stones, Ake and Akanji at the back with the new man Kovacic leading the midfield alongside Phillips and McAtee. Grealish, Alvarez and Palmer lead the line up top.
City went 0-2 behind before eventually turning it around to win 5-3 in the end. Haaland was the usual suspect in front of goal, grabbing two on the day.
MUST READ: Thomas Tuchel — Training Methodology
KEY PLAYERS
Erling Haaland
There’s not much you can write about this man that hasn’t already been said. An ultimate goal machine who’ll look to start the season off with a flyer. Bayern beware.
Jamal Musiala
Musiala slowly but surely turned into one of the key elements in this Bayern side. He’s already had many big moments in the Bayern shirt but scoring a stunner in Bayern’s title decider in the last game of the season just reminded us once again just how special he is.
Predicted XIs
Manchester City’s predicted lineup: Ortega, Ake, Dias, Gomez, Lewis, Kovacic, Silva, Palmer, Foden, Haaland, Alvarez.
Bayern Munich’s predicted lineup: Sommer, de Ligt, Upamecano, Davies, Pavard, Kimmich, Musiala, Goretzka, Laimer, Muller, Tel.
