After the thrilling win against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Bayern Munich will turn their attention towards Champions League on Wednesday. The Bavarian club will host Galatasaray on matchday four of the Champions League.
The two sides were involved in a close game in Turkey during matchday three of the competition. Galatasaray dominated the game for long periods, but Die Roten managed to deliver the knockout blow with two quick goals in the second half to clinch a 3-1 win. Bayern can book a place in the next round with a win on Wednesday. Let us look at team news and possible team selection for Die Roten against Galatasaray.
Team News
Bayern have no new injury concerns for the game against Galatasaray. Thomas Tuchel is hopeful about having Dayot Upamecano and Leon Goretzka available to start their second consecutive game. Joshua Kimmich will also return to the starting XI after missing the game against Dortmund due to suspension.
Matthijs de Ligt is the long-term absentee for Bayern. The Dutch defender is unlikely to play a part in the rest of the group games in the Champions League after suffering a serious knee injury last week. Raphael Guerreiro will also miss the game against Galatasaray. The Portuguese full-back is expected to be fit for the upcoming league game.
Predicted Starting XI
After enjoying a successful return to Bundesliga action, Manuel Neuer will play his first Champions League game in 12 months. The German goalkeeper will look to mark his return with a clean sheet on Wednesday.
The team selection in defense is straightforward for Tuchel. If Upamecano is fit to start again, the French defender will partner Kim Min-jae in the heart of defense. Alphonso Davies will continue in the left-back role since Raphael Guerreiro is yet to recover completely from a thigh strain. Noussair Mazraoui will slot in the right-back position after his solid performance against Dortmund.
Joshua Kimmich will return to the starting XI on Wednesday. The German midfielder will slot in the holding midfield position. Goretzka delivered a good performance against Dortmund, which may help him get the nod over Konrad Laimer for the second position in the midfield.
Tuchel will stick with his best attack for this game as Bayern look to clinch qualification for the first knockout round of the competition. Kingsley Coman will play on the right flank, while Leroy Sane will occupy the left side of the attack. Harry Kane will lead the attack, with Jamal Musiala playing in the number ten position behind him.
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Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 Galatasaray
Galatasaray have already won away from home in the Champions League this season as their solitary win in the group stage came away at Old Trafford. They will definitely go toe to toe with Bayern, but I am expecting a clinical performance from hosts led by the top scorer Harry Kane.