Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Nürnberg

Matchday 3 of the 2013/2014 Bundesliga sees FC Nörnberg travel to the Allianz Arena to take on the defending champions.

FC Nurnberg

The 187th meeting between these two storied clubs comes in a season which has seen the Nurnberg visitors draw their first two matches behind the strength of 4 goals; an already strong attacking improvement over their performance in the 2012/2013 Bundesliga season. It was a disappointing past season for der Club which saw them finish tenth in the Bundesliga on the strength of their defense and the anemic performance of their offense. Their defense saw them concede the 7th fewest goals last season, which was only matched by their poor showing at the opposite end of the pitch that saw them score the 4th fewest. While they pulled out what was inarguably a great result in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich last November, they were unfortunately overshadowed and overpowered in an April thrashing that saw Bayern lay down 4 unanswered goals at the Allianz Arena. Here’s hoping for a repeat of last April in tomorrow’s matchup at the Allianz.

While FC Bayern has been busy rearranging their overflowing trophy cabinet and collecting Europe’s shiniest players, the Nuremberg side has not remained idle. This off season has seen them make several changes to their side, aiming to increase their attacking proficiency and retain their defensive ability. Losing their 25 year old starting centerback Timm Klose to Wolfsburg was a blow, but it was one that has been offset by the pickup of Austrian centerback Emanuel Pogatetz (conveniently a former Wolfsburg player himself) on a free transfer. They have attempted to address the offensive issue with the addition of 22-year old striker Daniel Ginczek, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, and Swiss winger Josip Drmic to aid their right midfield creative hub Hiroshi Kiyotake.

Here is the projected starting lineup for the visitors:

4-2-3-1 : Strader - Feulner, Pogatetz, Nilsson, Pinola - Balitsch, Stark - Kiyotake, Mak, Drmic - Ginczek

The Bayern Munich starting 11

Following an offseason of rehabilitation, Mario Götze made his FC Bayern debut nearly two weeks ago in a pre-season(ish) friendly, and should feature as a substitute in what most likely will be a brief appearance before the home supporters at the Allianz Arena. If he plays well and presents a compelling case to the match fitness gods, expect to see a longer performance on Tueday given the fixture congestion this upcoming week.

One shouldn’t expect Javi Martinez to partake in this match. Instead, he will most likely get the run out Tuesday, so expect the familiar centerback pairing of Dante and Jerome Boateng. However, with the set piece ability of Nurnberg, even money could probably be had on Daniel Van Buyten getting the call over Boateng with this aerial prowess.

With the problems this team has displayed in transitioning from defense to attack, another fully loaded attack should take the field for one last tuneup before the UEFA SuperCup next Friday.

Here’s the projected lineup for the home team:

4-1-4-1 : Neuer - Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba - Schweinsteiger - Ribery, Kroos, Müller, Robben - Mandzukic

Bayern Munich 4-0 Nürnberg (April 2013) 

Bayern Munich vs. Nürnberg (Oct 2011)

Match Information

Venue: Allianz Arena

Time: 9:30am ET

Television: GolTV (USA/Canada), Sky Bundesliga (Germany)