20 August 2021, 14:10 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
German Bundesliga fixture, F.C. Bayern Munich vs. 1. FC Köln kicks off at 16:30 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 22 at the Allianz Arena.
Preview FC Bayern München Bundesliga, Aug 22, 2021
Preview After recently picking up his first piece of silverware with the club, Julian Nagelsmann returns with the German champions behind the 3-1 DFL Super Cup win over Borussia Dortmund. Once again, Robert Lewandowski was instrumental in Bayern's win, - as so often seen, scoring a brace (41' & 74') to see Nagelsmann's reign rewarded with a trophy in so little time. Impressed, the coach was seen celebrating with the team at full-time as the squad prepared to take their place on the podium. After the opening 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach on Match Day 1, the champions will be on the hunt for their first win of the season when they take on the Billy Goats. A 4--2--3--1 formation with the Pole, Lewandowski is expected while playing ahead of a midfield trio which may feature Gnabry, Sane and Muller. Coman got the nod ahead of Sane for the opening game but could be starting from the bench on Sunday. According to rumours, Lewandowski has been linked with a move away from the club, with reports suggesting the prolific forward is seeking a new challenge. Lewandowski bagged the only goal for Bayern against Monchengladbach on Match Day 1.
Preview 1. FC Köln Bundesliga, Aug 22, 2021
Preview 1. FC Köln began their season on a bright note, - defeating Hertha Berlin, 3-1 at the RheinEnergieStadion. Summer signing, Stevan Jovetic (5') gave Hertha Berlin an early lead with what appeared to be his first touch in the game. But Köln were determined to draw level before the break. Four minutes to the stroke of half-time, Jan Thielmann's cross found Anthony Modeste (41') in the penalty area, resulting in an equalizing goal. The Billy Goats took the lead seven minutes into the second half, with the goal coming from the Austrian midfielder Florian Kainz (52'). Three minutes later (55'), the 28-year-old bagged the brace. After the great start, new boss Steffen Baumgart will aim for at least a draw against the champions, knowing that a victory over Bayern Munich is an unlikely result. An attacking 4-1-3-2 formation with the duo, Modeste and Mark Uth leading the attack for the Billy Goats could be expected on Match Day 2. After bagging a brace on the opening day of the season, Florian Kainz is expected to command a starting role in the midfield once again. Luckily, Steffen Baumgart will have the opportunity of selecting from a fully fit squad ahead of the second day of the season.