Vincent Kompany is expected to revert to a full-strength Bayern Munich XI when his side face Flamengo in the Club World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday in Florida. After an experimental lineup failed to deliver in a 1-0 loss to Benfica, Bayern will likely bring back key players including Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Kingsley Coman.
Kompany had rotated heavily with qualification already secured, opting to rest several first-team regulars for the Benfica game. The decision didn’t pay off, as the replacements failed to make a strong case for further inclusion. That result reinforced Kompany’s likely return to the same starting lineup that saw success against Boca Juniors earlier in the tournament.
Harry Kane is yet to find the net at the Club World Cup, having had a relatively quiet outing against Auckland City despite the team’s 10-0 win. The England captain will be looking to get off the mark in what should be a more competitive fixture.
Jamal Musiala, who netted a hat trick against Auckland City, remains a doubt and is yet to start in this tournament. Meanwhile, Jonathan Tah is expected to return in defence to shore up a backline dealing with several injuries. Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito remain sidelined, while Eric Dier is unavailable, leaving Josip Stanisic to fill in alongside Tah and potentially Dayot Upamecano, who is nearing full fitness.
In midfield, Kompany is likely to call on his most trusted trio: Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer—all of whom were rested in the previous match. Their return will bring added stability and experience to Bayern’s spine.
Club legend Thomas Muller started in the defeat to Benfica, possibly marking one of his final starts in Bayern red. On the same night, new signing Tom Bischof made his debut, signaling the dawn of a new era at the club.
Predicted Bayern Munich Starting XI:
Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane