Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors: Club World Cup preview, team news & predicted lineups | OneFootball

Bayern Munich

Bayern’s start to the competition is impeccable, but this will be the real first test for Vincent Kompany. The Belgian coach showed his commitment to the heavily criticized tournament by fielding his best team against the lowly Auckland City.

After an early exit from the Champions League, the Club World Cup provides another platform for the ex-defender to end his first year at Bayern positively. Alongside a few other European participants, Bayern are the favorites to win the revamped competition.

In its previous format, the Bavarians won the Club World Cup in both of their appearances. They also won the Intercontinental Cup twice, including the win over Boca Juniors in 2001 courtesy of an extra-time winner from legendary center-back Samuel Kuffour.

Team News

Jamal Musiala showed his readiness for a starting berth by scoring a hat-trick as a substitute against the New Zealand outfit. Meanwhile, Harry Kane will be desperate to make an impact after leaving the pitch without a direct goal involvement in a 10-0 victory.

Considering the physicality of Boca Juniors, Kompany could also opt for the likes of Leon Goretzka and João Palhinha in the starting XI. Both midfielders were unused substitutes when Bayern set a new Club World Cup record. Dayot Upamecano will also hope to be included in the starting lineup after making his return from a long injury layoff.

Boca Juniors

In only the second game of the Club World Cup, Bayern Munich put past ten against Auckland City, which raised questions about the competitive level of the competition. However, at the end of closely fought first-round games, we’ve seen that could be an anomaly.

The game between Boca Juniors and Benfica was the biggest example of this. After all, Kompany’s side might not want to take any chances if it all comes down to goal difference at the end of the group stage.

Even though everyone expects the Rekordmeister to go through from the group, Boca’s aggressive approach could cause a challenge. The Argentines missed a chance to start the game with the same points as Bayern after squandering a 2-0 lead against Benfica.

Team News

The 35-time Primera División champions made a great impression on Monday, but we could see lots of changes from their starting lineup. Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal are confirmed absentees following heavy suspensions for their respective red cards.

As a result, Marcos Rojo could play his first game of the tournament. Edinson Cavani, yet another former Manchester United player, is still doubtful with a calf injury. On the positive side, Miguel Merentiel, who won the “Superior Player of the Match” title after a superb goal against Benfica, is expected to be available despite coming off injured on Monday.

Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors: Predicted Lineups

Bayern XI: Neuer ©; Laimer, Tah, Stanisic, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane

Boca XI: Marchesín; Advíncula, Rojo, Costa, Blanco - Belmonte, Battaglia; Velasco, Palacios, Zenón - Merentiel