Bayern Munich have named a surprise attacking line-up for Saturday evening’s German Super Cup meeting with Borussia Dortmund, with Nathaniel Brown selected in place of the unavailable Jamal Musiala and new signing Ismael Saibari left on the bench.
The match will be played at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund’s home stadium, where Ramy Bensebaini has been named in the starting XI for the hosts.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany has opted to use Brown in an unfamiliar position behind Harry Kane. The German normally operates as a left-back, but has been pushed forward to cover for Musiala, who has recently experienced health problems.
Saibari, the Morocco international who has recently joined Bayern, is among the substitutes for what is described as the first major match of the season.
Brown’s inclusion means Bayern will begin with a front three of Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Kane, while Brown is expected to operate in the attacking midfield area.
Bayern Munich’s starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer.
Defence: Kim Min-jae, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, Nathaniel Brown.
Midfield: Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer, Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Attack: Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Harry Kane.
Substitutes: Jonas Urbig, Dayot Upamecano, Tom Bischof, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Ismael Saibari, Bara, Cardoso.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have handed Bensebaini a starting role as part of a defensive line that also includes French defender Johan Jado and Germany international Waldemar Anton.
The Algeria international will feature from the beginning for the “Black and Yellows”, who are looking to claim the trophy on home soil.
Borussia Dortmund’s starting line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel.
Defence: Johan Jado, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini.
Midfield: Julian Ryerson, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, Daniel Svensson.
Attack: Konstantinos Karetsas, Samuele Inacio, Serhou Guirassy.
Dortmund also published a message presenting the team as their first official line-up of the season, accompanied by the words: “Our fist official line-up of the season! Let’s bring this trophy home 👊”
The German Super Cup brings together Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for an early-season meeting between two of the country’s leading clubs. Saturday’s contest at Signal Iduna Park will therefore provide both sides with an opportunity to begin the campaign with silverware.
The match also offers Bayern supporters an early look at how Kompany intends to balance his new attacking options, particularly with Musiala unavailable and Saibari starting among the substitutes.
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