Bayern Munich host Magdeburg in DFB Pokal last 32

Bayern Munich play their first cup match of the season against second-division side 1. FC Magdeburg on Wednesday. The game at the Allianz Arena (20:45 local time) will decide who advances to the last 16 of the DFB Pokal.

The Bavarians approach the match with mixed feelings. Their recent form from the last five competitive games shows a draw against Arsenal, a thrashing of RB Leipzig, but also two further draws and a defeat. The most recent outing, a 3-1 away win at SC Freiburg last Sunday, restored some confidence. Dayot Upamecano and Serge Gnabry provided an early lead before Michael Olise sealed the result in stoppage time.

Olise is currently the team's most prolific scorer this season with six goals in seven appearances. His form will be needed again against Magdeburg. The second-tier side travels to Munich on the back of a convincing 6-1 home win against Karlsruher SC and will look to put the favourites under pressure.

Recent Lineups and Outlook

Against Freiburg, manager Vincent Kompany fielded a starting eleven featuring goalkeeper Urbig, a back four of Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah and Nathaniel Brown, and a midfield including Laimer and Tom Bischof. In attack, Olise, Karl, Gnabry and Harry Kane played.

Magdeburg last lined up with goalkeeper Reimann, a defence of Bockhorn, Tobias Müller, Garcia MacNulty and Nollenberger, and an attack-minded midfield. The visitors will aim to threaten from the wings with players like Atik.

For Bayern, this cup tie is the next step to move past a recent inconsistent spell. A comfortable passage to the next round would send an important message. The next Bundesliga match follows at the weekend.