Bayern München are in DFB-Pokal second-round action at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. They are hoping to avoid a huge upset against underdogs FC Magdeburg.

Bayern to Rest Players Ahead of Der Klassiker

With Vincent Kompany in hospital after collapsing on Friday, Bayern München were 3-1 winners over Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday. However, it took until a 95th-minute strike from Michael Olise for Die Roten to make sure of the points.

Aaron Danks is overseeing first-team affairs, and a rotated lineup is expected here. Ismael Saibari, who has registered two goals and two assists in the league this term, is among the players who should come in.

Bayern have a huge clash with Borussia Dortmund to come on Saturday, so they won’t be risking anyone who isn’t fully fit. There are four confirmed injury absentees in the shape of Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, Kim Min-jae and Aleksandar Pavlović, while Joshua Kimmich is on compassionate leave.

Bayern München predicted lineup vs FC Magdeburg (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Boey, Upamecano, Ito, Davies; Bischof, Laimer; Karl, Saibari, Gnabry; Kane.

Magdeburg Looking for Żukowski and Iyoha to Shine Again

Lubambo Musonda is sidelined for the visitors. The Zambia international made 24 league starts last season, but he’s out long-term with an Achilles injury.

Otherwise, Magdeburg ought to be in a position to field a strong lineup at the Allianz Arena. Mateusz Żukowski and Emmanuel Iyoha should both continue in attack after getting on the scoresheet in the 6-1 win over Karlsruher in the 2. Bundesliga on Saturday.

Anselmo MacNulty will lead the away team’s bid to deal with Bayern danger man Harry Kane. The centre-back is averaging 1.9 tackles and 5.7 clearances per game in the German second tier this term.

FC Magdeburg predicted lineup vs Bayern München (4-3-3): Reimann; Nadjombe, Müller, McNulty, Nollenberger; Hyryläinen, Chávez, Müsel; Iyoha, Żukowski, Atik.

Bayern München vs FC Magdeburg Prediction

  • Safe Tip: FC Magdeburg +4 Handicap
  • Odds: 1.44 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Bayern München 3-1 FC Magdeburg
  • 22Bet Booking Code: BHCTU

Key stats:

  • Bayern München have only won two of their past five matches across all competitions.
  • It’s just one clean sheet in seven outings for the Bavarians.
  • Magdeburg have a 60% win rate this season, including their one cup encounter.

With a vital league fixture just three days after this one, Bayern will want to get the job done, but they won’t waste energy on chasing a big victory. They’ve not won any of their past eight DFB-Pokal ties by margins of more than three goals.

The main risk is Magdeburg being quickly outclassed by a far superior team, particularly with Kane likely to start. However, the visitors have kept a clean sheet in 50% of their fixtures this term. They are organised enough defensively to be competitive, and the second-tier side are a safe pick with a +4 handicap at 1.44.

Bayern München vs FC Magdeburg Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.24 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: P1FTU

Magdeburg are averaging 2.22 goals per 90 minutes in the 2. Bundesliga. Żukowski and Iyoha have scored 11 times between them across the opening nine matchdays.

The visitors will ask questions of a Bayern side that have scored and conceded in each of their past five outings. Backing both teams to score offers value at 2.24.

Verdict: FC Magdeburg +4 Handicap (1.44) — Bayern München 3-1 FC Magdeburg.