Bayern Munich vs FC Copenhagen: Champions League Matchday Two Preview
Bayern Munich endured a disappointing weekend as they dropped two points against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The Bavarian club came back from two goals behind to salvage a point at Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Bayern will be looking to bounce back from this disappointing result when they face Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The record Bundesliga champions had a winning start to the Champions League campaign as they clinched a 4-3 win against Manchester United at Allianz Arena two weeks ago. Thomas Tuchel will hope to get a much more convincing result on Tuesday to make it two wins in the European competition. Let us look at the team news and possible starting XI Tuchel may use against Copenhagen on Tuesday.
Team News
Matthijs de Ligt has not recovered in time to travel with the squad for the game against FC Copenhagen. The Dutch defender had suffered a minor injury against VfL Bochum last weekend. He is likely to be fit for the game against Freiburg on Sunday.
Manuel Neuer has been spotted in the first-team training over the last few days, but he needs more time to be completely ready to be part of the matchday squad. The German international is likely to make his comeback from a leg injury after the international break. Serge Gnabry remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair the damage done on the forearm during the game against Preussen Munster.
Our squad for tomorrow evening's #UCL match in Copenhagen ⤵️#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/N9ZfTQCdYM
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) October 2, 2023
Predicted Starting XI
Sven Ulreich redeemed himself against RB Leipzig by making a goal-saving tackle in the dying minutes of the game. The German goalkeeper was at fault for Leipzig’s second goal earlier in the game. Ulreich will continue in the goal on Tuesday since Neuer still needs time to achieve complete fitness.
With de Ligt ruled out for the game, the selection in central defense is straightforward. Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano will look to bounce back from a poor performance against Leipzig on Tuesday. Noussair Mazraoui may get the nod in the right-back position, while Raphael Guerreiro is likely to get his first start for Bayern in the left-back role.
Laimer may get the nod ahead of Leon Goretzka in the central midfield on Tuesday. Goretzka struggled against Leipzig in the first half, which eventually led to his substitution at half-time. Joshua Kimmich will partner Laimer in the center of the park.
Mathys Tel may get a well-deserved start on Tuesday. The French forward has consistently made a great impact from the bench this season, which includes the match-winner from Tel against Manchester United on matchday one. Leroy Sane will operate from the right flank, while Jamal Musiala will occupy the number ten role behind Harry Kane.
"UlreichMazraoui-KMJ-Upamecano-GuerreiroLaimer-KimmichSane-Musiala-TelKane"
Top three performers from 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig. dark. Next
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Score Prediction
FC Copenhagen 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern has been in seriously good form when it comes to scoring goals this season. They will certainly score a few goals against Copenhagen, but the home side will manage to get a consolation due to Die Roten’s worrying trend of not keeping clean sheets.