Bayern opens their DFB Pokal campaign against Preußen Münster, devoid of many first choice players.

A World Cup year usually yields problems for Bayern. The problems might be enhanced this season as Pep Guardiola continues to experiment, playing many players out of position. At this point though, versatility is welcome. Javier Martinez has been ruled out for at least six months for Bayern, leaving a gaping hole in defense as well as cutting them short of a midfield option. Bayern's only true centerbacks are Dante, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber. Badstuber is coming back after almost two years out of action following two ACL injuries.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is also not fit enough to play currently. Following Toni Kroos' sale to Real Madrid, Bayern is short of options in defensive midfield as well. Also, Rafinha is currently suffering from an ankle problem. Thiago Alcantara continues to struggle with injury problems. Franck Ribery is doubtful for this one as well. The rest of the returning stars have only started training recently, effectively rendering August as their preseason, although the Cup and the League are about to get underway shortly.

Nonetheless, Bayern still have enough might to do away with their first round opponents, Preußen Münster. They might need the help of the youngsters who are on the fringes of the squad. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is likely to earn a start. Gianluca Gaudino might play as well considering Philipp Lahm might have to cover for Rafinha at the back. David Alaba might be shifted to midfield to give Juan Bernat a shot or Sebastian Rode might start in midfield.

While Bayern will focus on this match, their attention will be on their opener against a potent Wolfsburg side on Friday in the Bundesliga. All their opponents have strengthened; the Supercup match against Borussia Dortmund showed that the Bayern reserves are not yet ready to play a steady stream of matches.

Can Bayern win despite the lack of first choice players?

Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels:

Watch Preußen Münster vs Bayern München live on Sunday, August 17, 2014:

In the US at 10.00 EST on:

In the UK at 15.00 BST on:

For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Münster vs Bayern match page.


STAY TUNED! DOWNLOAD the FREE LiveSoccerTV APP NOW:

For official TV broadcast listings, schedules, live match updates, and much, much more , download Live Soccer TV's FREE App! Click on the links:

- For Android => http://bit.ly/lstvgpsm

- For iPhone iOS => http://bit.ly/lstvappsm