Bayern Munich are set to close out their Bundesliga campaign in style as they welcome FC Köln to the Allianz Arena this Saturday. Having already secured their 35th league title, the Bavarians have been a force to reckon with under Vincent Kompany, suffering just a single defeat all season.
Fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg last weekend, following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, Bayern enter this final match with 86 points from 33 games. It's been a season of relentless dominance, and the squad is eager to cap it off with a strong performance in front of their home fans.
However, the title-winning team will have to navigate a few injury concerns ahead of the celebrations. Winger Serge Gnabry has been ruled out with a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh, while left-back Alphonso Davies is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich remains unavailable due to a lingering groin problem.
Manager Vincent Kompany has hinted at some lineup rotations for the occasion. Notably, Leon Goretzka is set to start in midfield, with this match expected to be his final appearance for the club before a summer departure. Raphael Guerreiro is also in line for a starting spot, while Manuel Neuer will reclaim his place in goal, keeping former Köln shot-stopper Jonas Urbig on the bench.
Here's the predicted Bayern Munich starting XI: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Bischof; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane.
The match kicks off at 2:30pm BST on Saturday, 16th May. Unfortunately for fans in the UK, the game won't be available to watch live due to the traditional blackout rule, which prevents broadcasters from airing matches during that time slot.
As Bayern gear up for one last domestic battle before the summer break, all eyes will be on how Kompany's men close out a memorable season—and how their fans celebrate another title triumph at the Allianz Arena.
