Serge Gnabry backs Bayern Munich to surprise Liverpool

Serge Gnabry believes that Bayern Munich have all the qualities to surprise Liverpool at Anfield and walk away with three points.

There is only a little time left before the first leg of the round of 16 clash between Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The Bavarians will be looking to get the upper hand in this tie at Anfield tonight, as Liverpool face an injury crisis of sorts in their defensive department. Despite being two of Europe’s biggest clubs historically, Bayern and Liverpool have never faced off in the Champions League, making this match even more significant.

Liverpool are enjoying a brilliant season under Jurgen Klopp and are involved in a tight Premier League title race with Manchester City. On the other hand, Bayern have endured a difficult campaign by their standards and trail Borussia Dortmund by three points in the Bundesliga. Speaking to Goal, Serge Gnabry admitted that Liverpool are favorites for this game, but asserted that Bayern have the quality to progress into next round.

"“I do not think the public is wrong. Liverpool is playing a very strong season, you cannot deny that.“That’s okay. But that does not mean that we go into the game and say, ‘There is nothing to get.’ On the contrary: We have our strengths, we are Bayern. Everything is possible.”"

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Gnabry also said that Bayern will have to find a plan to keep Georginio Wijnaldum quiet in midfield. The German winger believes that Wijnaldum is an underrated player in the Reds’ midfield, who allows Liverpool’s world-class forwards to attack as they please in the final third. Bayern will have to win the midfield battle today, as the outcome of such a dynamic clash is heavily dependant on who dominates the center of the park.

Manuel Neuer and Niko Kovac have lately urged Bayern’s defenders to buck up and stop making poor mistakes. Die Roten‘s defense has been porous this season, and it has cost them a lot of points in the Bundesliga. Gnabry shares a similar opinion as his captain and coach on this topic, believing his side will have to be resilient in defense to get a positive result at Anfield.

Bayern conceded the quickest own goal in Bundesliga history against Augsburg on Friday. The goal came as the result of a complete lack of communication in the defense. The Anfield atmosphere will become even more ferocious if Bayern commit a similar mistake and concede in the first 15-20 minutes of the game. Niko Kovac will be hoping his side dominates possession early in the game in order to dampen the energy of the home crowd.

Gnabry has been in fine form since the winter break. The 23-year-old German will have much motivation to do well against an English side, as he struggled to impress in England during his time at Arsenal.  Bayern would ideally like to get a win, but they will be more than satisfied with a draw and to come back to the Allianz Arena with a couple of away goals.