The Bavarian powerhouse has its sights set on capturing the DFL-Supercup for the seventh time in the past eight years. Historically, Bayern had frequently clashed with Borussia Dortmund in eight out of the last ten DFL-Supercup clashes before breaking this pattern to triumph over Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena in the preceding season. Leipzig's recent DFB-Pokal successes have introduced a fresh narrative, providing an alternative challenge.
Following their dramatic Bundesliga title victory over Dortmund on the final matchday, Bayern secured their 11th consecutive championship, cementing their status as a customary presence in Germany's season opener.
Thomas Tuchel's squad enters the new campaign as commanding favorites to extend their reign to a 12th consecutive title by the following May. The summer transfer window saw significant reinforcements with the likes of Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer, and Raphael Guerreiro joining their ranks.
However, notable departures including Lucas Hernandez, Sadio Mane, Marcel Sabitzer, and Yann Sommer have left the squad relatively thin, necessitating further additions for the rigorous challenges that lie ahead.
The pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane to potentially succeed Robert Lewandowski, who transferred to Barcelona the previous year, has dominated headlines. At the time of writing, Kane has given his greenlight to move to move, after Bayern's bid was accepted by Spurs on Thursday.
In the interim, Tuchel is tasked with harnessing the undeniable talents at his disposal. Commencing the campaign with a victory against a formidable contender is imperative, given the Bundesliga's imminent commencement.
Conversely, Leipzig could be undergoing a period of transition, having parted ways with star players Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku, who secured lucrative moves to Premier League clubs. Additional departures, both permanent and on loan, include Marcel Halstenberg, Angelino, Andre Silva, and Laimer.
Characteristic of the Red Bull ownership model, Leipzig has embraced a long-term approach by integrating youthful talents such as Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Seiwald, Christoph Baumgartner, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu. The signings of promising attacking midfielders Xavi Simons and Fabio Carvalho on season-long loan deals from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool respectively, further underscore Leipzig's commitment to rejuvenation.
Yet, despite this infusion of youth and energy, Leipzig may encounter a transitional phase as they square off against Germany's most formidable entity at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. The clash promises to be a litmus test for Leipzig's latest rebuilding endeavor, with the full effects potentially taking time to crystallize.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is anticipated to remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break in early September, a consequence of a skiing mishap last December that curtailed his season due to a leg fracture.The absence of his interim successor, Sommer, who transferred to Inter last month, appears poised to pave the way for Sven Ulreich to once again assume goalkeeping duties.
Saturday's Supercup encounter will lack the participation of Thomas Muller, Eric Choupo-Moting, and Gabriel Marusic, while the debut of new signing Guerreiro is postponed due to a calf strain.
Laimer, driven to create an immediate impact against his former club, aims to leverage his industrious midfield presence as an integral facet of Tuchel's pressing strategy.
Leipzig, on the other hand, faced a parallel goalkeeping dilemma last season, with Peter Gulasci recuperating from an ACL injury and expected to return in a few weeks' time.
Amadou Haidara and Lukas Klostermann, grappling with muscle strains, are unlikely to be risked ahead of their challenging Bundesliga expedition to Bayer Leverkusen next weekend. Additionally, Baumgartner's debut might be deferred due to a persistent ailment.
Despite a noteworthy roster overhaul over the summer, familiar faces such as Dani Olmo, Timo Werner, and Emil Forsberg will infuse a sense of continuity. As for the offensive setup, Openda and Sesko are poised to contend for positions alongside them in the Munich showdown.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:Ulrich; Pavard, De Ligt, Kim, Davies; Laimer, Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Gnabry, Coman
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Orban, Raum; Seiwald, Schlager; Forsberg, Olmo, Werner; Openda
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bayern Munich 3-2 RB Leipzig
While the effects of injuries and adaptations to new personnel might temper their usual fluidity, the stage is set for yet another engaging clash between these adversaries.
Although Bayern finds itself confronting some squad depth challenges in contrast to prior seasons, the strength of their starting lineup continues to command respect. Anticipated to showcase an abundance of attacking prowess, Bayern should once again wield an offensive potency that could prove overwhelming for Leipzig.
