The second of this week’s DFB Pokal quarter-finals is Bayern Munich against RB Leipzig. A top of the Bundesliga table clash, both sides will know they have a fantastic opportunity to win the competition should they win this match. Whilst Bayern have won both Bundesliga duels against Leipzig this season, Ole Werner’s side have proven that they can compete with Bayern; they just need to do it for 90 minutes rather than 45 minutes! With the magic of the DFB Pokal, you never know what could happen on Wednesday evening. 

Bayern Munich 

Last weekend, Bayern defeated in-form TSG Hoffenheim 5-1 to prove to any doubters that they’re not going to be that easy to catch this season. Albeit against ten men, Bayern looked back to their deadly self with a Harry Kane brace and a hat-trick from Luis Diaz. 

Ahead of the DFB Pokal tie, head coach Vincent Kompany will have choices to make when it comes to naming his matchday squad. With the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala back to full fitness, the coach will now have to decide which players have to watch from the stands. 

“I’ll decide that tonight,” Kompany explained.

“It’s a decision that has to be made, it’s a positive because it means the boys are fit. Of course, I’m not happy for the players who have to stay at home, but I am about the fact we have every player available.”

Kompany is aware of the positive effect his attacking players can have on Leipzig, having scored 11 goals against them this season with only one goal in return. Despite this, Kompany is aware of the attacking threat posed by Leipzig, which did cause them issues when the sides last met in the opening 45 minutes. 

“Both teams know each other very well. They have the wingers and the front three who score a lot of goals and have a lot of creativity. They’re a team who are strong in attack. We’ve always shown what we’re capable of against Leipzig. It’s a home game, a must-win game. We want to deliver what we’re capable of. We also have the wingers and incredibly strong players in the middle. If we get the balance right, it could be a very good match for us.”

One thing that is certain on Wednesday is that Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Bayern. Kompany has already confirmed that in his press conference. 

Aside from Neuer, don’t expect too many changes from last weekend’s Bundesliga win; Kompany will not underestimate Leipzig in the slightest. 

What’s more, it’s worth mentioning that Bayern have not won the DFB Pokal since 2020. 

RB Leipzig 

Despite just two wins in their last five Bundesliga games, RB Leipzig currently sit 4th in the league and are well in the mix for claiming a Champions League spot for next season. 

Naturally, Ole Werner was reminded of their 5-1 defeat of Bayern three weeks ago. The head coach explained that his side can take a lot of positives from the game: 

“We were able to take several positives from it. We played well for more than 80 minutes, however, the fact is that we have to be capable of playing even better. Firstly, it’s a different competition, and secondly, the last game showed us that we can find ways to hurt Bayern. I think we will be able to find the right solutions. We also saw that we won’t come out on top if the game dissolves into an all-out attacking free-for-all. We need to stick to our plan, as we will only be able to record strong attacking moments if we maintain our shape and structure. On the other hand, we also need to defend well. Bayern are the favourites, but we feel comfortable with that and feel as though it will suit us.”

Werner, possibly taking a note from the HSV and Augsburg playbook, understands that matching Bayern attack-for-attack will most likely be counterproductive, despite the fact that they themselves have several excellent forwards. 

It’ll be interesting to see how Leipzig set up on Wednesday, as they’ll have to stay defensively disciplined and counter effectively when the chance presents itself. 

My Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 RB Leipzig