Vincent Kompany has selected a starting eleven composed entirely of youth players for Bayern Munich‘s first pre-season friendly against SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The match, taking place at the Brita-Arena in Wiesbaden, marks the Belgian manager’s initial preparation fixture for the upcoming campaign.
Bayern travel to the 3. Liga side with severely depleted resources. Only six first-team players are currently available for selection as the majority of the senior squad remain on extended breaks following international duty at the World Cup. This shortage has forced Kompany to rely heavily on the club’s academy ranks for the opening 45 minutes, presenting a significant opportunity for the next generation to impress.
Confirmed Lineups
The Bundesliga champions will start with Podar-Stiube in goal, protected by a defence featuring Schaff, El Chaar, Wilson and Nuraj. Mijatovic, Ajayi and Matosevic form the midfield, with Della Rovere, Assomo and Pavic occupying attacking positions.
Wehen Wiesbaden, who host the fixture as part of their anniversary celebrations, line up with Brdar between the posts. Their starting eleven includes Ati Allah, Brandt, Flotho, Gillekens, Gozusirin, Greilinger, Hercher, Janitzek, Karweina and Lewald.
Senior figures including Ulreich, Palhinha and Tom Bischof are named among the substitutes for the visitors, alongside Ibrahimovic, Boey, Chavez, Binder, Cardozo, Sieb, Manuba and Pavic. These experienced players are expected to feature in the second half as rotations take place.
DFB-Pokal Rematch
The fixture carries additional significance following the sides’ dramatic meeting in the DFB-Pokal first round last season. Wehen Wiesbaden nearly produced a major upset against the eventual cup winners, fighting back from two goals down to equalise before succumbing to a Harry Kane penalty in the 94th minute.
That narrow escape serves as a warning for Bayern’s inexperienced side, despite the gulf in divisional status between the Bundesliga giants and the third-tier hosts. Wehen demonstrated their capacity to trouble elite opposition and will aim to capitalise on Bayern’s makeshift lineup.
The match represents the beginning of Bayern’s pre-season schedule as Kompany seeks to implement his tactical approach ahead of the competitive campaign. For Wehen Wiesbaden, the fixture offers a high-profile test during their anniversary festivities, with a full house expected at the Brita-Arena.