How could Bayern Munich line up against Celtic?

Bayern Munich familiarise themselves with Celtic Park during a team training session last night. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

A number of injuries to first-team players has forced Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes into shuffling his pack for this match.

His biggest issue lies up front, with both Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller ruled out of the clash. This could see James Rodriguez utilised as a false number nine in a 4-3-3 formation - although Heynckes did make reference to a 4-4-2 set-up during his pre-match comments.

Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben would be utilised as a two-man strikeforce in a 4-4-2, which would presumably see a midfield four of Corentin Tolisso on the right, Arturo Vidal and Thiago Alcantara in the middle and James Rodriguez on the left, with Javi Martinez dropping to the bench.

How Bayern Munich could line up against Celtic - unless Jupp Heynckes goes with a 4-4-2 formation. Picture: Contributed

Under-19 forward Manuel Wintzheimer has been called up to the squad, but is unlikely to start, while Serbian striker Milos Pantovic could also make the squad. Here’s how we think Bayern will line up against Celtic this evening...

GK: Sven Ulreich

Bayern’s back-up goalkeeper has performed well since he was brought in after Manuel Neuer was ruled out with a long-term injury. Will start tonight for the Germans.

RB: Joshua Kimmich

Compared by some pundits to Philipp Lahm, Kimmich is impressive whether attacking or defending. Scored against Celtic in the 3-0 win at the Allianz Arena and will be tasked with keeping Scott Sinclair quiet.

CB: Jerome Boateng

The elder statesman of the Bayern defence, the towering Boateng and partner Hummels will look to snuff out Celtic’s attacking threat, likely to be Moussa Dembele.

CB: Mats Hummels

Another who netted against Celtic in the first meeting, Hummels is a no-nonsense centre half who poses problems at set-pieces. Standing 6ft 3in, he’s strong in the air and will need to be tightly marked by Nir Bitton.

LB: David Alaba

The versatile left back got up and down the flank with ease in Munich, giving Cristian Gamboa a night to forget and linking up well with Kingsley Coman. He might not get the same joy up against Mikael Lustig this evening, however.

DM: Javi Martinez

The Spaniard was rested at the weekend as Heynckes went with Arturo Vidal and Corentin Tolisso in defensive midfield but he could well be brought back for this game. Missed the 3-0 victory in Munich but could be preferred over Tolisso tonight.

CM: Arturo Vidal

The Chilean was a doubt for the first match between these two sides, starting on the bench and coming on as a substitute. However, with a run of games under his belt, expect Heynckes to start Vidal in the midfield.

CM: Thiago Alcantara

Started in a more attacking position in Munich but with Heynckes needing to shuffle his pack, the former Barcelona man is likely to partner Vidal in central midfield.

RF: Arjen Robben

Always a first pick when fit, the Dutchman will be up against Kieran Tierney once more

LF: Kingsley Coman

The Frenchman started in a left attacking midfield role in Munich but could be used on the left side of a three-man forward line tonight. Will look to link up with Alaba again but it’s hard to see Lustig making the same mistakes as Gamboa.

CF: James Rodriguez

Heynckes could opt to use James Rodriguez as a false number nine tonight. The Colombian is happy to drop deep and link up play with the central midfielders and the wingers, and has Coman and Robben supporting him, on either side.

He’ll play on the left of midfield if Heynckes chooses to go with a conventional 4-4-2 formation.

Subs from: Tom Starke, Niklas Süle, Felix Gotze, Rafinha, Sebastian Rudy, Fabian Benko, Corentin Tolisso, Manuel Wintzheimer, Milos Pantovic.