4 Things Bayern Munich Should Test in Telekom Cup

Bayern Munich play their first games of the preseason this Sunday as they compete in the Telekom Cup (official website, in German). The Bundesliga champions will face Augsburg at Borussia-Park, followed by the winner of hosts Gladbach vs. Hamburg.

Pep Guardiola doesn't yet have a full squad available, as many senior players are still on their summer vacation. But the two 45-minute matches offer Pep Guardiola a chance to experiment with his tactics and give a run-out to some of his lesser-used players.

Click "Begin Slideshow" to see B/R's picks of what the trainer ought to try out during Sunday's action.

3-5-2

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

With Javi Martinez back in the team, Bayern will be able to play a 3-5-2 formation with the Spaniard as part of the back three. Guardiola has used his compatriot in such a role in the past, and the former Athletic Bilbao man excelled as part defender, part midfield anchor. David Alaba was used similarly from time to time last season, and his presence in the squad this weekend will provide options for the trainer.

The 3-5-2 offers limited width and requires a yeoman's effort from the wingers, but keeps play compact in the center, with eight outfielders positioning themselves in more or less central areas. The play can become very congested, but such a system offers the kind of control Guardiola prefers for "his" type of football. And with most of the Bayern team skilled enough to play the ball in tight spaces, the lack of free room shouldn't be as much of a problem for them as it will be for opponents.

Use Robben as a Striker

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Especially if Guardiola goes with the 3-5-2 formation, using Arjen Robben as a striker may not be a bad idea. The Dutchman is too capable in attack to be wasted in a half-defensive role on the right wing, and his defending in any case is underwhelming. Although Thomas Muller is best at attacking from a central location, his physicality and work rate are more suited for a right-wing role if he is to start with Robben in the same lineup.

Robben lacks the strength to hold up the ball as a lone striker, but with Robert Lewandowski capable of handling such duties, the Dutchman can move freely in a supporting role and use his pace and direct style of play to devastating effect. Even if a one-footed finisher, Robben's skill set could still be hugely useful in the center.

Put David Alaba Back on the Wing

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

In recent years, David Alaba has emerged as the best left-back in the world. He's also a very good central midfielder whose qualities are somewhat hidden when used out wide. But still, there are better central midfielders in the world than the Austrian. In defense he has no peers.

Juan Bernat was an almost permanent figure in the Bayern team last season, playing at left-back with Alaba featuring more in a half-defensive midfield, half-center-back role. With Bayern having a more fit squad now than they enjoyed at any point last season, especially in terms of central-midfield options, they could benefit from using Alaba wide, apart from a triumvirate of central midfielders. And in a 3-5-2 formation, Alaba would still be very much involved in the build-up as a half-midfielder.

Use Rode on the Right

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Sebastian Rode doesn't have a good chance of starting in the midfield at Bayern, not with a star-studded set of central midfielders like Thiago Alcantara and Philipp Lahm at Pep Guardiola's disposal, plus extremely talented youngsters like Pierre Hojbjerg on their way up.

On the other hand, Rode has a real chance of playing if his competition is Rafinha. The Brazilian has played well under Guardiola, but is probably the most limited player in the team and could be displaced if someone better comes along. Rode could be the man to bench him.

Rode did well for Bayern last season, his energy and sheer desire to perform making him a real asset when he was used. He has the qualities of a central midfielder but also the physical characteristics of a defender. In fact, he occasionally played at center-back during his time at Frankfurt. If used at right-back or right wing-back, he just might have what it takes to succeed at Bayern.