Before the test against Tottenham: This is how Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany plans

This Thursday's friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at the Allianz Arena (6:30 p.m., Magenta Sport) offers Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany another opportunity to make a major substitution. The 39-year-old hasn't yet decided whether he'll field two completely different teams for the first and second halves, as he did in the recent 2-1 win against Olympique Lyon. The battle for starting spots has long been raging.

Where do Bayern stand in the transfer window month of August? Which parts of the team are performing well, and where are there still problems? Where is there room for improvement through acquisitions? The big status quo check:

The goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (39), who is entering what is likely his last season as Bayern's number one, is more undisputed than ever after strong performances at the Club World Cup. 21-year-old Jonas Urbig is expected to make occasional appearances in the coming season, even if Neuer isn't injured or suspended. It could be interesting to see if Neuer allows this. The exact details have not yet been communicated.

The defenders: Jonathan Tah has emerged as the defensive leader in just five matches at the Club World Cup; the new signing from Bayer Leverkusen was quickly integrated and accepted. Dayot Upamecano is a fixture alongside him in central defense. The Frenchman is considered a key building block for the future, but negotiations for a contract extension beyond 2026 are proving difficult. Only the number three in central defense is South Korean Min-jae Kim, who is free to leave if a suitable offer is made—if he even wants to, given his generous salary.

The ever-reliable Konrad Laimer has established himself at right back, with Sacha Boey, valued by Kompany for his physique, the first choice. With Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito rehabbing after serious injuries, Raphael Guerreiro and the versatile Josip Stanisic are available for left back. The Munich native can also defend on the right or centrally. Only if Kim leaves do the Bayern bosses, led by sporting director Max Eberl, want to recruit a replacement.

Hoping for more than a supporting role at his new club: Tom Bischof (right), here against Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Olympique Lyon.

Source: IMAGO/Eibner

Central midfield: Following the departure of Joao Palhinha to Tottenham (one-year loan with an option to buy in 2026) and the injury to Aleksandar Pavlovic (fractured eye socket), the current six-man duo consists of midfield leader Joshua Kimmich and the indestructible Leon Goretzka. New signing Tom Bischof, who moved to Munich from Hoffenheim, can mature and get playing time in the shadow of the experienced players.

The number 10 position: Here, the gap left by Jamal Musiala following his ankle dislocation and fibula fracture must be partially filled by the winter break. The options are Serge Gnabry or Luis Díaz, for whom Bayern paid Liverpool a transfer fee of just over €70 million. Talented Paul Wanner (19) should also get his chance – at least in August. A decision will be made before the end of the transfer window whether the left-footer should be loaned out again.

The wingers: Michael Olise, Bayern's player of the season last season, is a regular on the right wing. His first backup is homegrown Lennart Karl (17). Colombian Díaz is likely to establish himself on the left wing, with Kingsley Coman as an alternative. The Frenchman, who has been with the club for ten years, is used to competition. He was considered a potential sell, but he doesn't want to leave.

The center forward: Goalscorer Harry Kane is a given, and after Thomas Müller's departure, the first backup option is Serge Gnabry, who interprets the role more as a "false nine." Also in the squad: talented Jonah Kusi-Asare (18), a trainee striker. If an agreement is reached with Stuttgart on the purchase of Nick Woltemade (VfB is demanding €65 million), Kusi-Asare will be loaned out. Woltemade, who can also operate as a number ten, remains Bayern's top transfer target.