Bayern Munich take on RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with the two sides at the top of the table going head-to-head in what could prove to be a pivotal clash in the 2020-21 campaign.
Bayern maintained their two-point lead over Julian Nagelsmann's side with a well-fought 3-1 victory at Stuttgart last weekend, with goals from Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski and Douglas Costa sealing the three points.
Leipzig, meanwhile, ground out a 2-1 win against Arminia Bielefeld, with goals from Angelino and Christopher Nkunku enough to secure the three points, which ensured they have the chance to go above their main title rivals into first place with a win at Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Here, Sports Mole looks at how Bayern could line up for Saturday's table-topping showdown.
Out: Joshua Kimmich (knee), Alphonso Davies (ankle)
Doubtful: Robert Lewandowski (muscle)
> Click here for Bayern Munich's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match
Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies returned to light training for Bayern earlier this week, but neither key players are likely to return to first-team action until the New Year.
However, Hansi Flick has welcomed back the likes of Corentin Tolisso, Niklas Sule and Bouna Sarr to his side in the past week, bolstering his squad depth and ability to rotate a team feeling the effects of a heavy winter schedule.
The 55-year-old certainly did exactly that in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, making nine changes from the side which beat Stuttgart last weekend. Only defenders David Alaba and Lucas Hernandez retained their place, with the reigning European champions already qualified as winners of the group.
Robert Lewandowski did not travel to Madrid due to minor muscular concerns, but reportedly completed brisk running in training and should be fit to start against Leipzig. The 32-year-old is likely to be rested in next week's dead rubber against Lokomotiv Moscow, too, with the Bundesliga top goalscorer spared for league action until the knockout rounds begin in February.
Kingsley Coman is likely to retain his place in the first XI, having scored in each of his last three appearances. The winger is keeping summer transfer window signing Leroy Sane out of the side at the moment, with the former Manchester City player having to bide his time to receive regular starts.
Tolisso should continue in midfield having returned alongside Leon Goretzka last week, with Jerome Boateng preferred to Sule at the heart of the defence.
Brett Curtis
