Another Potential Setback? Elversberg vs. Bayern – Preview, Team News & Prediction | OneFootball

FC Bayern is back in Bundesliga action on Sunday evening (live starting at 5:30 p.m. on DAZN and via the FCBinside live ticker). On Matchday 3, the German record champions will face newly promoted SV Elversberg on the road. Following their 5-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, the Munich side is looking to pick up three points in the league again.

After a 5-1 win against VfB Stuttgart to kick off the Bundesliga season, FC Bayern dropped points for the first time last weekend. Despite dominating the match, the Munich side could not manage more than a 0-0 draw against newly promoted Schalke 04.

However, they responded in kind during the week. In their Champions League opener, Vincent Kompany’s team defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-0. A highlight: Jamal Musiala scored on his return to the starting lineup. Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies also found the net. Michael Olise netted a spectacular brace.

Tonight (starting at 5:30 p.m. live on DAZN and via the FCBinside live ticker), the next promoted team awaits FCB—and unlike the Munich side, it hasn’t dropped a single point so far. Elversberg has won its first two Bundesliga matches and, with six points, is actually ahead of Bayern in the standings.

FC Bayern Team News: Gnabry’s Return Possible

The personnel situation at FC Bayern continues to look good. The only question mark remains over Serge Gnabry. The 31-year-old is now training with the team again and could make his return against Elversberg for the first time since his adductor injury.

“Serge Gnabry is training, but a decision will be made today. I expect him to be available tomorrow or against Union,” Vincent Kompany explained on Saturday.

Photo: IMAGO

The final decision will also depend on how the forward feels. Gnabry will need to show that he no longer feels any discomfort when shooting or twisting. Otherwise, Kompany has his full squad at his disposal.

The question of managing his workload is likely to be a point of interest once again. Jamal Musiala made his first start of the season against Bodo/Glimt and was substituted after just over an hour. It’s quite possible that the 23-year-old will be given a rest again in Elversberg and that Ismael Saibari will start at the “10” position.

Kompany could also rotate his defensive lineup following the Champions League match. Minjae Kim, Nathaniel Brown, and Josip Stanišić certainly have reason to hope for a spot in the starting lineup.

Elversberg Team News: Newcomer Causes a Sensation

Photo: IMAGO

SV Elversberg has gotten off to a dream start in its first Bundesliga season. In their opener, Vincent Wagner’s team defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in front of a home crowd. A week later, they followed that up with a spectacular 4-3 road win at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The Saarland-based side demonstrated strong resilience against the Foals. After 56 minutes, Elversberg was still trailing 1–3, before former Bayern Munich prospect Maurice Krattenmacher scored twice and Felix Keidel sealed the comeback.

With seven goals, Elversberg boasts one of the Bundesliga’s best offenses after two matchdays. The SVE is particularly dangerous on the counterattack. At the same time, the promoted team has shown clear defensive weaknesses, allowing 46 opponent shots so far—the highest total in the league.

Coach Vincent Wagner will also be able to take his place on the sidelines on Sunday after all. His yellow-red card from the Gladbach game and the resulting suspension were subsequently rescinded.

In terms of personnel, Elversberg is expected to remain without Luis Seifert and Tom Zimmerschied.

Head-to-Head

For FC Bayern and SV Elversberg, Sunday’s match marks a first. The two clubs have never faced each other in a competitive match before.

Elversberg is thus the 57th different Bundesliga opponent for the Munich side. The FCB has managed to win at least once against all 56 clubs it has faced so far.

The recent record in such first-time matchups also clearly favors Bayern: The record champions have won all ten of their first Bundesliga matches against a new opponent.

Expected lineups

SV Elversberg: Kristof – Gyamerah, Pinckert, Rohr, Günther – Keidel, Poreba – Petkov, Onyeka, Campbell – Mokwa

FC Bayern: Neuer – Stanisic, Tah, Kim, Brown – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Saibari, Luis Díaz – Kane

Prediction

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On paper, the balance of power is clear. FC Bayern has significantly more individual talent in nearly every position and enters the match as the clear favorite.

However, the record champions must not underestimate the newly promoted team under any circumstances. Elversberg has already proven twice—with wins over Leverkusen and Gladbach—that the team can hold its own against established Bundesliga sides. In particular, the Saarland side’s quick transition play could pose problems for Bayern’s high defensive line in certain situations.

At the same time, the 46 shots on goal allowed in the first two matches suggest that Kane, Olise, and company are likely to have plenty of scoring opportunities. If FCB finds its rhythm on offense as well as it did in the second half against Bodø/Glimt, its individual talent should prevail in the end.

Anything other than a Bayern victory would still be a major surprise.

Elversberg vs. Bayern Broadcast: Bundesliga Live on TV and via Livestream