Bayern v Union Berlin: Laïdouni looks to build, Mané set for a fresh start
Sadio Mané set for a fresh start. Absent with a knee injury, the Senegal international returns on Sunday.
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With his side stuttering at the start of the year, Sadio Mané should soon inject fresh impetus into Bayern Munich. Three draws, two wins and a defeat in the Bundesliga is an unusual return for the Munich giants, who are also not convincing with their play. With individuals such as Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané yet to get back to their best, Mané's comeback could hardly be better timed.
After the injury that kept him out of the World Cup last November, the Senegal international resumed running a month ago and has been training with the group since last Sunday. Following a defeat by Borussia Monchengladbach, the German champions are reportedly looking to make amends against the surprise Berlin side. Julian Nagelsmann's men could count on the Senegalese star, who has 6 goals and 3 assists in the Bundesliga, as early as this afternoon. However, Sadio Mané will face greater expectations on 8 March in the return leg against PSG, by which point he will probably have rediscovered some rhythm. The former Liverpool player has scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists in the Champions League this season.
Aïssa Laïdouni is making Union Berlin happy
For his part, Aïssa Laïdouni will take on the Bavarians with a side brimming with confidence in the Bundesliga and in Europe. Having recently knocked out Ajax Amsterdam, the "Unioner" are about to face one of the biggest challenges in their short history in the German top flight. Efficient in transition, FC Union will offer a clash of styles, with a trio of tireless midfielders as their main asset, Laïdouni among them. Signed from Ferencvaros for €4 million, the Tunisia international quickly established himself in a team that makes use of his pressing and work rate. After his first appearance off the bench in the Cup, Swiss coach Urs Fischer was upbeat about his new signing: "He had very good movement and dared to try something. We will have a lot more joy with the lad."
Impressive since being fast-tracked into the starting 11, Aïssa Laïdouni will need to back that up against Joshua Kimmich and company. With a win, Union Berlin will join BVB at the top of the table (2nd on goal difference). But Bayern will only retake top spot (on goal difference) with a win.
Mary SOUMARÉ