As the international break wraps up, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich return to action, hosting Augsburg at the Allianz Arena on Friday.
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This marks Bayern’s 11th league game of the season, where they’ll aim to consolidate their dominance at the top of the table.
Bayern, with 26 points from a possible 30, come into this game fresh off a narrow 1-0 win over St. Pauli on November 9. Augsburg, in stark contrast, sits 13th with 12 points.
The Fuggerstadter played out a goalless draw against Hoffenheim in their last outing on November 10.
Match Preview
Bayern Munich has been in sensational form, remaining the only unbeaten team in the Bundesliga. Vincent Kompany’s side has won their last four league games, with back-to-back 1-0 victories showing their newfound defensive solidity.
Against St. Pauli, Bayern allowed only three attempts, none of which were on target, signaling an impenetrable backline.
Kompany praised his team’s defensive efforts while acknowledging room for improvement in attack:
“We did well defensively, that was definitely our strength today. We didn’t play as effectively going forward as we have recently.”
Since their 4-1 Champions League loss to Barcelona in October, Bayern has responded with five straight wins, all while keeping clean sheets.
Their impressive home record speaks volumes: nine wins and two draws in the last 11 Allianz Arena matches, with 20 goals scored and just three conceded at home this season.
On the other hand, Augsburg is hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting four points above 16th-placed St. Pauli.
Despite this, they’re enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak in the league (two wins, two draws) and have shown grit defensively.
Manager Jess Thorup commended his side’s defensive resilience but admitted his team struggled to maintain control in the second half against Hoffenheim.
Augsburg’s attacking record has been less than stellar, with 13 goals in 10 games, while their defense has leaked 20 goals—marking them as one of the league’s weaker teams on both ends.
However, their away form will be a major concern. Augsburg has lost seven of their last eight Bundesliga road games, a statistic that heavily tilts the odds in Bayern’s favor.
Team News
Bayern will have to navigate the absence of key defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, sidelined until January 2025.
Aleksandar Pavlovic is nearing a return but might not make Friday’s game, leaving Kompany likely to rely on Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield.
Defensive concerns persist with injuries to Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, and goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, which should see Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae fortify the backline in front of Manuel Neuer.
For Augsburg, Reece Oxford remains out due to long COVID, while Tim Breithaupt and Fredrik Jensen are unavailable until December.
Nediljko Labrovic is set to start in goal behind a three-man defense led by Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Keven Schlotterbeck. Midfield stability will likely hinge on Kristijan Jakic, Frank Onyeka, and Arne Maier.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Augsburg (3-5-2):
Labrovic; Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Schlotterbeck; Wolf, Onyeka, Jakic, Maier, Giannoulis; Claude-Maurice, Tietz
Prediction
Bayern has shown their versatility by grinding out narrow wins recently but remains a team that can score in bunches. Despite missing a defensive midfielder, the Bavarians’ depth and quality should prevail.
Augsburg may find opportunities on the counter but lacks the consistency to pull off a major upset. Expect a dominant Bayern performance.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Augsburg
