Mateo Kovacic vs Joshua Kimmich
As usual, there will be one midfield battle in big games that will play a big role in the outcome of the game. Die Roten have a solid number six in Joshua Kimmich. The German midfielder has been a revelation for Bayern in midfield this season.
Kimmich has been dictating the play from the deep with his expansive passing range. His clever positioning also allows him to break the play and initiate counter-attacks when Rekordmeister are on the back foot.
The German international will have a unique competitor on Tuesday in Mateo Kovacic. After struggling under Maurizio Sarri, Kovacic has become one of the key players for Frank Lampard. The Croatian can beat the press with his dribbling and passing range. He also has a great eye for a pass in the final third, so it is dangerous to allow him to progress the ball beyond the second phase of the pitch.
Kimmich will have to make sure that Kovacic is quiet throughout the game. He can achieve this by closing him down as soon as he gets the ball. The two young midfielders are vital to their team’s plans on Tuesday, so one can expect an intense midfield battle between them.