Fresh from their Bundesliga triumph, Bayern Munich will have the chance to seal a second piece of silverware in as many weeks when they face RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal final this weekend.
Niko Kovac's side could complete a domestic double when they square off with Ralf Rangnick's team at Olympiastadion in Berlin, to sign off 2018-19 on a high.
Yet, peversely, it could also serve to be the swansong for the Croatian, who looks set to be sacked after only one season at the helm despite his success.
Leipzig are meanwhile looking to lift their first major honour, and would like nothing more than to take down the giants of German football in the process.
| Game | RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich |
| Date | Saturday, May 25 |
| Time | 7.00pm BST / 2.00pm ET |
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
For UK readers, get your fix on the latest football on TV here! US readers can find out what soccer is on TV here!
In the United States (US), the game will be broadcast on ESPNEWS, though it will not be available for streaming.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| ESPNEWS | N/A |
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will not be broadcast on television. However, it will be available for streaming on YouTube.
| UK TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| N/A | YouTube |
Squads & Team News
| Position | RB Leipzig squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Gulacsi, Muller, Mvogo, Krahl |
| Defenders | Saracchi, Orban, Upamecano, Konate, Klostermann, Mukiele, Halstenberg, Laimer, Nukan |
| Midfielders | Sabitzer, Haidara, Adams, Forsberg, Ilsanker, Demme, Stierlin, Majetschak, Bias, Kampl |
| Forwards | , Poulsen, Werner, Bruma, Cunha, Augustin, Kruger, Smith Rowe, Hartmann |
Kevin Kampl is available to Ralf Rangnick, who fielded a rotated line-up in the final day defeat to Werder Bremen in order to allow his key players a rest.
As such, they have named a strong line-up to challenge for the trophy.
RB Leipzig starting XI: Gulacsi; Klostermann, Konate, Orban, Halstenberg; Sabitzer, Adams, Kampl; Poulsen, Forsberg, Werner.
Subs: Upamecano, Haidara, Cunha, Mukiele, Laimer, Mvogo, Demme.
| Position | Bayern Munich squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Fruchtl, Ulreich, Hoffmann |
| Defenders | Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba, Boateng |
| Midfielders | Martinez, Gnabry, Goretzka, James, Rafinha, Davies, Thiago |
| Forwards | Coman, Lewandowski, Muller, Wagner, Ribery |
Manuel Neuer, Javi Martinez are fit enough to figure, but James Rodriguez misses out. No risks are taken on Leon Goretzka after seeing him go off injured in the 5-1 victory over Frankfurt that clinched the Bundesliga title.
The Bavarians will be looking to seal their first win in this competition since 2016.
Bayern Munich starting XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Thiago, Martinez; Gnabry, Muller, Coman; Lewandowski.
Subs: Ulreich, Ribery, Robben, Rafinha, Boateng, Tolisso, Sanches.
Betting & Match Odds
Bayern Munich are heavy favourites to claim the trophy and are priced at 1/2 with bet365 . RB Leipzig can be backed at 5/1 while a draw is available for 10/3.
Match Preview
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It's rare for such speculation over the future of a maiden-season coach to be the focus of build-up to a major cup final - and yet, that is exactly what swirls around Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac as he looks to lift the DFB-Pokal for the second campaign in a row.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt coach, who took over the reins at the Bundesliga champions last year, has already guided them back to the title and could very well complete a domestic double on Saturday.
Yet it is thought that he has underperformed in the role, having reportedly lost the confidence of the board and fallen out with a number of key players over the season, while his failure to progress Bayern further in European competition is likely to remain another black mark against his name.
As such, he looks set to exit the club following the conclusion of their commitments this season, regardless of further results .
Speculation also swirls between the two sides in regards to the future of Leipzig's prized striker Timo Werner, who has been linked with a switch to their Bundesliga rivals.
Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich was asked earlier this week whether he felt if the 23-year-old would slot into life easily at the Allianz Arena.
"Of course it’s a different game for us," the Germany international said . "But, in principle, a striker of Timo’s quality, who has scored about 10 to 15 goals, for two or three years consecutively can help many teams.”
The pair are both members of the international set-up under Joachim Low and have played together before.
Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick, who will also be waving goodbye to the role when he returns to become the club's sporting director after Saturday, remains unconvinced that their rivals will swoop for Werner, feeling they would have already put out feelers if they were interested.
"If Bayern were absolutely sure about Timo, they would have already officially contacted us with a request," he stated . "Anything else would be unusual for Bayern, especially since we have a good relationship with them."
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