Bayern Munich vs Augsburg: Halftime observations and analysis

So despite barely creating any chances, Bayern Munich have a 2-0 lead at halftime. It’s not a ringing endorsement of Tuchelball, but it is a good result against a team that often gives this club a lot of trouble. Harry Kane had only 12 touches in the entire half. The guy is starving for service — if not for the penalty he would’ve had zero shots. This is the perfect game for Upamecano, he just loves sweeping it up at the back with his pace. Good performance by him so far.

Halftime: Bayern Munich lead 2-0.

39’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Harry Kane converts from the sport after VAR awards Bayern a handball! That’s one way to get service.

32’ — GOOOOOOAL! It’s an own goal but we take those!

25’ — Still no service to Harry Kane 25 minutes in.

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Bayern Munich starts in a 4-2-3-1 with Leroy Sane starting at the #10 spot behind Harry Kane, Thomas Muller starting on the bench. Leon Goretzka also gets another shot at the starting XI, with Konrad Laimer on the bench. Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae as center-backs. Everything else as predicted.

It’s matchday again, and Bayern Munich face off against Bavarian neighbors Augsburg in the closest thing to a derby this club currently has. Augsburg are nowhere near the Rekordmeister in terms of player quality — Harry Kane alone is probably worth more than their entire XI — but they have been able to give Bayern some close games in recent years. For a team that seems to perennially finish in the bottom third of the Bundesliga table, they’re a deceptively tough nut to crack.

Thomas Tuchel needs to make an important decision. With Jamal Musiala out, who will he start at attacking midfield? Thomas Muller is the obvious option, but the coach has been reluctant to use the veteran ever since taking over from Nagelsmann back in March. Leroy Sane is the name being whispered in the media, whose inclusion could signal the end of Muller as a starter at Bayern Munich.

The question is, can Tuchel afford to make that choice?

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 5:30 pm local time, 11:30 am EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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