FC Bayern is set for a crucial Bundesliga showdown. On Saturday evening, the record German champions will host RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena. After two draws against FC Augsburg (2-2) and Viking Stavanger (3-3), Vincent Kompany’s team is desperate to get back to winning ways. However, the Belgian coach is expected to make a change to his starting lineup in a key position.

Manuel Neuer is once again at risk of missing the game due to his ongoing foot problems. The 40-year-old already missed the Champions League match in Norway and was also unable to participate in Friday’s final training session.

As both BILD and Sky report, there are strong indications that Jonas Urbig will once again take his place between the posts.

Kim and Upamecano are likely to form the center-back pairing.

In front of Urbig, Kompany could opt for a back four consisting of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Minjae Kim, and Alphonso Davies.

The potential lineup for the center-back pairing is particularly interesting. Kim could start again against Leipzig and form the central defensive duo alongside Upamecano.

An exciting lineup is also taking shape in midfield.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic are likely to form the central axis alongside Serge Gnabry. While Kimmich and Pavlovic would primarily be responsible for controlling the game, Gnabry could take on the more offensive role.

Pavlovic missed the Champions League match against Stavanger due to injury but returned to team training this week. Gnabry, who did not see any playing time against the Norwegians, could replace Jamal Musiala in the central attacking midfield role.

Olise, Kane, and Díaz are expected to lead the attack

In the attack, Kompany is likely to rely on his proven key players. Michael Olise and Luis Díaz are slated to play on both wings. Up front, Harry Kane is expected to provide the necessary goals.

Olise, in particular, is in the spotlight following his red card against Stavanger. The Frenchman is suspended for next Wednesday’s match against Arsenal but is eligible to play in the Bundesliga against Leipzig.

The Bayern coach will still have to do without Musiala, who is not yet fit to play following his muscle tear.

The projected Bayern lineup against RB Leipzig in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Jonas Urbig – Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Minjae Kim, Alphonso Davies – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic – Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Luis Díaz – Harry Kane.

Kickoff at the Allianz Arena is Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The final lineup will be announced, as usual, about an hour before kickoff.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/17/ohne-neuer-mit-ueberraschung-im-mittelfeld-so-koennte-bayern-gegen-leipzig-spielen/.