POSITION
There were results that hadn't been seen for a long time in the Bavarian state capital: 2-0 defeats against Napoli and Inter Milan, a 3-0 reverse against Liverpool and even a 4-0 loss against AC Milan – a snapshot of the pre-season friendly record of the Reds from Munich that must have come as a massive surprise for many of their fans. But Bayern wouldn't be Bayern if they weren't fully back on form when it gets serious. In spite of going behind twice, Carlo Ancelotti's team came back to win the DFL Supercup against one of their toughest rivals of previous years, Borussia Dortmund. It is clear that is not supposed to be the last title to be won this season. Bayern are again the hot favourites to lift the league title and are happy to accept that role. "I think FC Bayern will be champions again," said coach Ancelotti, full of conviction. The first step towards that target is supposed to come on Friday against the Werkself.
PERSONNEL
Even after the retirement of the two top players Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso plus the departure of Douglas Costa, FCB have a squad that sets the standard in every position in the Bundesliga and they don't need to hide from any other team worldwide. The squad has also been strengthened during the summer break. The two German internationals from Hoffenheim, Niklas Süle and Sebastian Rudy, joined Bayern in the summer as did the talented French midfielder Corentin Tolisso from Lyon. The marquee signing was James Rodriguez: Ancelotti's key target is on loan for two years from Real Madrid with FC Bayern having an option to buy the reigning World Cup top goalscorer who misses the match against Bayer 04 due to a torn muscle.
PROBLEMS
Ignoring the rather bumpy pre-season, Bayern are confronted with the usual luxury problems: The pressure on the younger squad and the coach is enormous. The only thing that counts in Munich are victories, particularly after Ancelotti's first season that 'only' produced one title. One tricky situation this season could be the strength of the squad means that all the stars might not get their desired time on the pitch. In the year before a World Cup that is potentially a hot topic.
POTENTIAL
"I would be very happy if we become the champions." Rarely has Uli Hoeneß formulated his targets before start of the season in such a defensive manner. The 28th league title in the club's history, the sixth in succession, are a priority but the FCB president knows all too well himself: If the team find their best form in the crucial games in cup competitions and the star-studded ensemble can compensate for the departure of the experienced Lahm and Alonso then there is no target too high for the men from Munich.
PREDICTION
In spite of strong competition from Dortmund and Leipzig, FC Bayern appear to be on course to win the title again this season. At the same time, it does appear credible that the changes during the summer will not pass the team by in terms of results and their lead may not be as extensive as in recent years. However, it would be a huge surprise if the champions of Germany in 2018 were not called Bayern Munich in the end.
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