How Bayern Munich could line up against Borussia Monchengladbach

Bayern Munich will head into Saturday's clash with Borussia Monchengladbach four points behind their opponents in the Bundesliga table.

The reigning champions suffered their third league defeat of the campaign at home to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, leaving them down in fourth spot.

Bayern might only be four points off the division leaders, but they are also just four points clear of ninth position after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

There is no downplaying the importance of Saturday's contest as the Munich giants look to return to winning ways in the league ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the visitors could line up when they take to the field.

Out: Niklas Sule (knee), Lucas Hernandez (ankle), Jann-Fiete Arp (arm)

Bayern still have big problems at the back with key defenders Lucas Hernandez and Niklas Sule on the sidelines with ankle and knee injuries respectively.

The fact that Jerome Boateng is out of favour could again see Javi Martinez and David Alaba start as the two central defenders with Joshua Kimmich again operating as a holding midfielder.

There are expected to be alterations from the defeat to Leverkusen, though, with speedy attacker Kingsley Coman being tipped to return in a wide position.

Spanish midfielder Thiago could also come in for Thomas Muller in the middle of the park, while Philippe Coutinho is another option for interim boss Hans Flick, who remains in charge of first-team affairs.

Robert Lewandowski will again lead the line for the reigning champions, and the Poland international will be looking to add to the 27 goals that he has already managed in all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign.