Bayern Strikes
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Four Key battles as Bayern Munich host Tottenham Hotspurs

By Kiran Thakare

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Jan Vertonghen during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Jan Vertonghen during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munchen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus) /
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DUESSELDORF, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Fortuna Duesseldorf and FC Bayern Muenchen at Merkur Spiel-Arena on November 23, 2019 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
DUESSELDORF, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: Philippe Coutinho of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Fortuna Duesseldorf and FC Bayern Muenchen at Merkur Spiel-Arena on November 23, 2019 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Eric Dier vs Philippe Coutinho

Mourinho always prefers a robust midfield, most importantly a tenacious holding midfielder. The Portuguese has found one in Eric Dier at Spurs. Dier was out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino, but Mourinho’s arrival has given him a lifeline at Spurs.

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The English midfielder is yet to completely get back to his best, but things are on the upward trajectory for him after every passing game. Dier will sit in front of the central defense and keep things ticking in central defense. Along with the physical prowess for this role, Dier also has a tidy passing range.

Bayern will have to disrupt Spurs’ build-up play by forcing errors from Dier. Philippe Coutinho is expected to start this game, so he is likely to be tasked to drag Dier out of position. The Brazilian forward has not been at his best since Kovac’s departure, so this could be a golden opportunity to establish himself in the starting line-up.

Coutinho has previously played against Dier during his time at Liverpool. The Brazilian should focus on playing freely to win the individual duel against Dier. If he manages to show his array of passing in the final third, then Bayern will have a very strong chance of finishing the group stages on a winning note.