By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Bundesliga title race between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich might be thrilling for fans, but for the 2013 treble winners from Bavaria, the "Deutsche Meisterschaft" only seems to be of secondary importance.

The Champions League is the more important competition and awaiting the German league champions is a vital last 16 clash with Liverpool on February 19 and March 13.

Bayern coach Niko Kovac already seems to be puzzling in secret over the best-suited team to take on the tenacious Brits. His primary goal: Not only to find the strongest starting eleven but to have alternative strategies up his sleeve.

Kovac's future as Bayern coach, and that of several players like such as James Rodriguez, Thiago, Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels, is said to be dependent on the outcome of the Liverpool tie.

What kind of "plan B" can Kovac come up with and does the 47-year-old need more than one additional option to survive against Liverpool's attacking football?

Talking about a plan B or C requires an investigation into plan A. Kovac's main topic is to get offense and defense in balance. What are his options?

As for the defense, Kovac seems to have a settled line-up that includes goalie Manuel Neuer plus David Alaba, Hummels, Niklas Suele and Joshua Kimmich. Austrian international Alaba has made significant improvements. Suele is Kovac's first choice as a central defender. Hummels is regarded to provide more possibilities when going forward than Jerome Boateng, but he is not a certainty. Kimmich has moved to the right back job from his favorite position in defensive midfield to strengthen the back row.

Bayern's most likely defense: Neuer - Alaba, Hummels, Suele, Kimmich.

Kovac's midfield and front-line choices will be significantly harder to make. Who of his stars is a certainty to withstand the enormous pressure Liverpool loves to generate?

Leon Goretzka taking over the "ten" behind Robert Lewandowski, the regular No. 9, has developed into Kovac's best choice as James Rodriguez lacks the pace required. The Colombian, however, has greater experience in directing play. Goretzka's performance against TSG Hoffenheim (3-1) has increased the pressure on James.

"He's fighting for his future," commented Kovac when talking about James while Bayern's sports director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed the club has not yet decided whether to take up the 42-million euro buying option for the striker.

Martinez and Thiago seem to be the first choice as a double six with James as Thiago's back-up. Many are counting on James to replace Thiago as he gives Bayern's game a better structure.

Due to Thomas Mueller's two-game ban, Kovac is hoping for Arjen Robben to return to the right flank. If both miss the clash, James might have to fill the position.

Kingsley Coman seems to provide the best value on the left wing with Serge Gnabry as the second choice - that is if he isn't picked on the right wing. Left-wing Frank Ribery may have to accept a place on the bench.

Bayern's most likely midfield and attack: Martinez, James - Robben, Goretzka, Coman - Lewandowski.

Depending on the game's course, Kovac may need to tune the team's structure. The Bayern coach can count on four candidates for the job behind spearhead Lewandowski (Muller, Goretzka, Thiago and James).

"We're looking forward to the challenge, but there's still time to think about several options," the Bayern coach commented knowing Bayern's success mainly depends on his tactical brainwaves. Enditem

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