UCL Preview: Bayern Munich face stern test against in form FC Barcelona
The games are coming thick and fast for Bayern Munich. After the disappointing performance and result against VfB Stuttgart, Bayern switches their attention toward the Champions League. In matchday two of the UCL, Die Roten will be hosting FC Barcelona. A certain Robert Lewandowski will be returning to Allianz Arena for the first time since moving to Barcelona in the summer.
Bayern enjoyed a good start to the new Champions League campaign last week. They delivered a convincing performance in Italy to win 2-0 against Inter Milan. Considering the nature of the group, Die Roten must win at Allianz Arena, starting from the game against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Barcelona has been in fine form this season. The Spanish club is unbeaten in La Liga, and they enjoyed a comfortable win against Viktoria Plzen on matchday one. Robert Lewandowski will be a big threat for Die Roten as the Polish striker has hit the ground running for Barcelona, scoring nine goals across all competitions.
Team News-
Bayern will be without Kingsley Coman for the game against FC Barcelona due to a hamstring injury. Jamal Musiala will be fit for the game against Barcelona despite suffering a minor knock against Stuttgart on Saturday. Bouna Sarr is the long-term absentee for Rekordmeister. The Senegalese full-back has been struggling with a knee injury for numerous weeks.
Predicted Starting XI-
Julian Nagelsmann is expected to go with the strongest starting XI against Barcelona since winning the game at Allianz Arena is crucial. Manuel Neuer will start in the goal. The German shot-stopper will be looking to make it two clean sheets in a row in the Champions League after stopping Inter Milan from scoring last week.
Bayern’s defense has not enjoyed the best results in the past couple of weeks. They have struggled to keep clean sheets in the Bundesliga but ended up delivering solid performance at San Sir last weekend. Nagelsmann will stick with the same back four after heavy rotation against Stuttgart. Matthijs de Ligt and Lucas Hernandez will play in the heart of the defense, while Benjamin Pavard and Alphonso Davies will occupy full-back positions.
Winning the midfield battle is crucial for Bayern to win against Barcelona. Nagelsmann will go with the in-form midfielders for the big game against the Spanish club. Joshua Kimmich will pair up with Marcel Sabitzer in the heart of the defense.
After being rested against Stuttgart, Sadio Mane is expected to be back in the lineup against Barcelona. Thomas Muller will also start for Die Roten on Tuesday, while Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane could complete the attacking quartet against the Spanish club.
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Prediction
Bayern Munich 2-1 FC Barcelona
Bayern has gotten the better of Barcelona in the past few years, but the game on Tuesday will have a very competitive edge. Barcelona has been in fine form, so beating them will take an incredible effort from Die Roten. The home side may end up clinching the narrow victory, while Lewandowski will score at Allianz Arena for Barcelona.