Bayern Munich face a tricky test against Tottenham Hotspurs

Bayern Munich will travel to North London as they prepare for what is expected to be their toughest challenge in the group stage against Tottenham Hotspur.

Following their disappointing start to the Champions League campaign this season, Spurs will be hungry to get their first victory against Bayern Munich. The last season’s runners-up were forced to settle for a point the first match of the group stage as they gave away their two-goal lead against Olympiakos.

This puts the spotlight on their current competitive campaign. Mauricio Pochettino has struggled, thus far, this season as the Argentine has not been able to deliver consistent results. Spurs have won only three of their seven Premier League fixtures this season and were knocked out from their domestic cup tournament in the previous week.

On the other hand, the visitors will be looking to continue their winning streak. The German champions recently moved to the top of Bundesliga table following a narrow victory against SC Paderborn on Saturday. Niko Kovac will also be hoping to momentum against a strong side such as Spurs.

Last time the two sides met in the Audi Cup finals during the pre-season campaign. While the match ended in a stalemate, it was Tottenham who lifted the cup through a penalty shootout.

Nonetheless, it is expected to be a mouth-watering clash with both the teams fielding their best lineup this time. After all, it is the two favorites from Group B who go head-to-head with their attack-minded tacticians giving instructions from the touchline.

Team News & Expected Line-Up

Lucas Hernandez and Ivan Perisic have been included in Bayern’s squad for their trip to London. The latter missed the game on Saturday due to flu. David Alaba should be able to start this game after featuring in the squad against Paderborn. Jann-Fiete Arp and Leon Goretzka remain on sidelines, the latter expected to be available after the next international break.

Bayern are expected to start in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Manuel Neuer will, as usual, take the charge in goal. Lucas Hernandez will move back in central defense due to availability of Alaba. The Frenchman will partner Niklas Sule in heart of the defense. Alaba and Benjamin Pavard will be the full-backs for the visitors in this game.

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Joshua Kimmich should continue to operate in the defensive midfielder role with Corentin Tolisso replacing Thiago Alcantara as his partner in crime. The Spaniard has not been at his best this season, so Tolisso automatically becomes the option for this game.

On the flanks, Kingsley Coman should operate from the right-hand side. On the other flank, Kovac might make a change and bring back in-form Perisic to replace Serge Gnabry. After delivering impressive performances in the last three games, Philippe Coutinho has surely established himself first-choice number ten at the club. Robert Lewandowski is in red hot form right now and he will be looking to add more goals to his tally while leading the attacking line for Die Roten on Tuesday.

"Neuer Pavard-Sule-Hernandez-Alaba Kimmich-Tolisso Coman-Coutinho-Perisic Lewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Pochettino is expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1 shape from the new 4-1-2-1-2 diamond that he has opted for a few matches this season.

At the back, Hugo Lloris will be given the shot-stopper duties. Serge Aurier who was sent off against Southampton can start as the right-back against Bayern, while Danny Rose shall be the obvious choice as the full-back operating from the left-hand side. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld should start in the heart of Spurs’defense.

Harry Winks is expected to play a deeper role in midfield, while Tanguy Ndombele shall operate as a box-to-box midfield player for the hosts.

Dele Alli who sat on the bench against Southampton should be in contention to make it to the starting XI, playing in the number ten position. Meanwhile, Heung-Min Son should slot in the left-winger role after being substituted at the hour mark on Saturday. Christian Eriksen shall attack from the right with Harry Kane leading the attack line.

"Lloris Aurier-Alderweireld-Vertonghen-Rose Winks-Ndombele Eriksen-Alli-Son Kane"

Spurs have been vulnerable in defense this season, so Die Roten should be looking to capitalize on this weakness. However, the English side can be dangerous on the counter, so Bayern must maintain a compact defensive line.

Score Prediction: Spurs 1 – Bayern 2

Spurs versus Bayern is surely going to be a thrilling encounter. Given the current form, we expect Bayern to continue as group leaders by clinching three points through a slender margin.