Europe: Champions League
FT
1 - 0
(1 - 0)
Villarreal
FC Bayern
A. Groeneveld (8)
Predicted lineups
By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Villarreal vs. Bayern preview: Team news and probable line-ups

With the first leg of Bayern München's Champions League quarterfinal tie with Villarreal just around the corner, we take a look at the team news and possible line-ups.
Reigning German champions Bayern München will face Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on Wednesday evening in the first of two Champions League quarterfinal games between the clubs.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann revealed that Alphonso Davies is likely to feature for the first time since January after recovering from a heart condition.

"Alphonso Davies will be in the squad, and the results of his medical mean that he has been cleared to start. We will make a decision over the course of the day. In general, I am leaning towards having him in the starting XI," said Nagelsmann.

"Four positions are still up for grabs. We'll do a bit of rotation," he added.

Should Davies start, he will most likely come into the starting eleven at the expense of 19-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, who has started the last two games. Lucas Hernandez would then be moving from left-back to centre-back, with Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano completing the back four.

In midfield, Leon Goretzka could start for the second successive time alongside Joshua Kimmich after making his return from a long-term injury.

Further forward, Serge Gnabry could replace Leroy Sané in the starting eleven after making an impressive cameo in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Freiburg. Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandowski all look like certain starters.

Even if Bayern's injuries are clearing up, the Bavarians will still be without Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Bouna Sarr, Corentin Tolisso and Gabriel Vidovic.

Villarreal coach Unai Emery, meanwhile, will have a full squad to choose from if Samuel Chukwueze shakes off a muscle injury in time for the game.

Check out our predicted line-ups below.

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