Kimmich as right-back? How Bayern could play against Saint-Gilloise | OneFootball

FC Bayern are set to make their next important appearance in the Champions League when they host Union Saint-Gilloise at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening. This is the expected line-up for Munich

After the intensive programme of the past few days, Vincent Kompany will once again have to make adjustments. The personnel situation on the defensive flanks in particular remains tense. With Sacha Boey, Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic, three regular right-backs are not available, which is why the Bayern coach will have to improvise further

Kimmich’s role remains the sticking point

Once again, the focus is on Joshua Kimmich. The 30-year-old could theoretically help out at right-back, a position he is familiar with from his earlier years at Bayern and with the national team. However, Kompany moved Kimmich into central midfield at half-time in the 5-1 win in Leipzig – and immediately stabilized Munich’s play there. The coach could also have moved Tom Bischof into the center and ordered Kimmich to the right, but made a conscious decision not to

This suggests that Kompany values Kimmich’s qualities in the center more than his versatility in defence, which is why it is quite possible that Bischof will once again start at right-back against the Belgians, even if his performance in Leipzig was only partially convincing in this position

The Bayern starting eleven could look like this

Manuel Neuer is set to start in goal, with Tom Bischof in the back four on the right, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah in the center of defense and Alphonso Davies on the left. Hiroki Ito is available as an alternative, but is likely to start on the bench

In the center of midfield, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are considered first choice. In attack, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry and Luis Diaz could start behind Harry Kane, while Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl would be options to provide impetus from the bench

Bayern’s likely starting XI at a glance: Neuer – Bischof, Upamecano, Tah, Davies – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Gnabry, Luis Diaz – Kane

Union Saint-Gilloise travel to Munich without any major personnel pressure. Coach Alexander Blessin is likely to rely on a back three and hope above all for moments of transition. Several players are on two yellow cards and will have to be careful

Belgium’s probable starting XI: Scherpen – Mac Allister, Sykes, Burgess – Khalaili, Van de Perre, Zorgane, Smith – Rodriguez, David, Ait El Hadj

Kompany warns of the opponent

Vincent Kompany made it clear before the game that Saint-Gilloise should not be underestimated. „They want to win the game in the league and have the ball. But they are even better when they are the underdogs. Like in the Champions League. They have heroic tasks there, so we have to be careful,“ explained the Bayern coach

There is a lot at stake for FC Bayern. A win in the final home game of the league phase would see them qualify directly for the round of 16 and avoid the additional play-offs. The importance of a stable defence is correspondingly high – regardless of whether Kimmich stays in midfield or comes in at right-back.