XXL rotation ahead of Real second leg? How Bayern could play against St. Pauli | OneFootball

FC Bayern are facing a delicate balancing act: between the two Champions League duels with Real Madrid, the Munich side have to face FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga – and coach Vincent Kompany is faced with a key question: how much rotation is possible without losing rhythm?

Officially, the Belgian emphasized at the press conference that the focus is fully on the league game. Internally, however, it has long been clear that the second leg against Real Madrid is the absolute priority. It is therefore likely that several regular players will be rested

Question marks over Kane and offensive rotation

There are some unresolved personnel issues in attack in particular. Harry Kane is fit to play again after his outing in Madrid but, according to Kompany, „went beyond his pain threshold“. A starting appearance against St. Pauli therefore seems questionable – especially as Nicolas Jackson is available again after serving his suspension

There could also be changes on the wings. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are currently among the most important attacking players, but could be given a break. In this case, there would be opportunities for Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala. The 23-year-old in particular is pushing for minutes of action. Lennart Karl, on the other hand, is not available after tearing a muscle fibre

Raphael Guerreiro is another option in attacking midfield. The Portuguese has already proven on several occasions this season that he can also play an important role centrally

Changes also in midfield and defense

Kompany could also rotate one line behind him, with Leon Goretzka and Tom Bischof available as alternatives to Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Fresh personnel could be deployed here, particularly in view of the heavy workload on the regular players

Alphonso Davies is likely to return to the starting eleven, while Hiroki Ito and Minjae Kim are candidates in the center to take the pressure off Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano. Kompany has the choice between Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic at right-back

In goal, there is much to suggest that Manuel Neuer will start again in order to gain further match practice, although Kompany has not yet made a final decision

One thing is clear: FC Bayern must find the right balance between managing their workload and being tough enough to compete. Against St. Pauli, it’s not just about three points – it’s also about perfect preparation for the all-important clash with Real Madrid

Likely line-ups at a glance

FC St. Pauli: Vasilj – Ando, Wahl, Mets – Pyrka, Rasmussen, Metcalfe, La. Ritzka – Fujita, Pereira Lage – Sinani

FC Bayern: Neuer – Laimer, M.-J. Kim, H. Ito, Davies – Goretzka, Bischof – Gnabry, Guerreiro, Musiala – Jackson