Bayern Munich will once again start the season as clear favourites to win the Bundesliga title and that’s no surprise when taking into account the quality of players at their disposal. Harry Kane leads the line once again and the England superstar’s goals will prove crucial to Bayern’s chances in all competitions across 2025-26.
Vincent Kompany has also been backed in the transfer window, bringing in attacking wide midfielder Luis Diaz from Liverpool to replace both Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman. Diaz headlines the incomings as it stands but Bayern are likely to add more new faces between now and the transfer window’s closing date.
RB Leipzig preview: Werner to lead revival
After a truly disastrous 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign for RB Leipzig, moves have been made by the hierarchy off the pitch to avoid a repeat this time around. Ole Werner has joined as head coach from Werder Bremen and the club have already spent around €90m on incomings. However, they have all been funded by the sale of Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd with Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons likely to leave as well between now and the end of the window.
Wide player Johan Bakayoko should prove a good signing from PSV Eindhoven, whilst forwards Romulo Cardoso and Yan Diomande have also come in to replace Sesko. But if Simons was to go as well, it will be very difficult for Leipzig to replace his attacking output and Werner will have to adjust as appropriate.
Bayern Munich team news: Musiala KO
A nasty ankle injury suffered at the Club World Cup rules Jamal Musiala out for the foreseeable future. Defenders Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito also miss out, whilst Aleksandar Pavlovic is doubtful.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Olise, Diaz; Kane.
RB Leipzig team news: Simons to sit
Due to intense speculation regarding a potential transfer, it would be no surprise if Xavi Simons was to sit out of this one until his future is resolved one way or the other. Benjamin Henrichs is ruled out through injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Seiwald, Schlager, Haidara; Bakayoko, Openda, Nusa.
