Bundesliga 2025-2026: Borussia Mönchengladbach-Bayern Munich, the likely lineups

Day number eight of Bundesliga 2025-2026 offers a real head-to-tail: Borussia Mönchengladbach, in deep crisis at this start of the season (only three points won in seven matches) challenges top-ranked Bayern Munich and still with a full score, a 27-goal scored and barely 4 conceded battleship that already has a five-point lead over second-placed Leipzig.

The start of this year, for Gladbach, has been bad to say the least: three draws alternating with four defeats, 6 goals scored and 15 conceded.

Nothing is yet compromised with 27 games to go, but there is a need for an immediate turnaround, although the Bavarians are the worst opponent to meet in such a situation. Eugen Polanski, interim coach, will focus on a brash 4-3-3 to surprise the highly-rated opponents.

On the other hand Vincent Kompany can afford to experiment, although the temptation to field the best possible team to continue the incredible positive series of this early season (only victories between summer friendlies, league, Super Cup, domestic cup and Champions League) is quite strong. 4-2-3-1 will in all likelihood be the initial scheme, with Jackson attacking and Harry Kane moved slightly further behind, into a building rather than finalizing role.

Probable lineups

BORUSSIA MÖNCHENGLADBACH (4-3-3): Nicolas; Scally, Elvedi, Diks, Netz; Reitz, Engelhardt, Sander; Honorat, Tabakovic, Castrop. All. Polanski.

BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Kane, Diaz; Jackson. All. Kompany.