Weekend Warm-up: Dayot Upamecano decision holds key for Nico Schlotterbeck at Bayern Munich; Aleksandar Pavlovic to sit out?; Bundesliga predictions; Throwing it back to Stiff Little Fingers; and MORE!

"Should Dayot Upamecano decide not to extend his contract, Nico Schlotterbeck would then be on Bayern's list and discussed seriously as a potential replacement. If Upamecano ends up extending his contract, signing Schlotterbeck would then rather be unrealistic. In that case, Bayern would go for a 'challenger', a talented 18, 19 or 20-year old centre-back with potential to challenge for a spot in the future."

"It is definitely an odd report, though believable in many ways. Some things that could raise questions are the viability of Jonathan Tah continuing to play at the level he has show in recent months and the willingness of Kim Min-jae to stay in Bavaria as a third wheel. It is not out of the realm of possibility that Kim leaves in the summer and that Tah's form dips down."

Bayern Munich is highly unlikely to deploy Dayot Upamecano and Nico Schlotterbeck as a centre-back pair. If Upamecano extends his contract, Bayern would almost certainly pass on Schlotterbeck and pursue a younger centre-back prospect aged 18–20 to challenge for a future spot. If Upamecano declines to renew, Schlotterbeck would be seriously considered as a replacement. Questions remain about Jonathan Tah sustaining recent form and Kim Min-jae's willingness to remain as a third-choice option; Kim could leave in summer and Tah's form could dip. Liverpool and FC Barcelona stand to gain if Bayern passes on Schlotterbeck. Aleksandar Pavlović has picked up knocks and is likely to be rested.

Read at Bavarian Football Works