Bayern Munich vs FC Copenhagen: Champions League Matchday 5 Preview
The Champions League group stages enter the final leg this week. Bayern Munich will host FC Copenhagen in the penultimate group game on Wednesday. Die Roten have sealed the top spot in the group, but they will be eager to maintain the winning momentum and make it five out of five in the Champions League this season.
Copenhagen provided Die Roten a stern test when these two sides met each other in Denmark on matchday two. They also managed to beat Manchester United in their last Champions League game. Since they have a good chance of qualifying for the next round, they are expected to provide a good fight against Die Roten at Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Let us look at the team news and possible starting XI for Bayern in this game.
Team News
Jamal Musiala has stepped up in training this week after spending the last few weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. He has been involved in first-team training this week, but Thomas Tuchel doesn’t expect him to be completely fit for Wednesday’s game.
Matthijs de Ligt remains on the sidelines for Die Roten. The Dutch defender is hopeful about playing the last game of Hinrunde, but Tuchel is not expecting him to play again this year. Raphael Guerreiro and Alphonso Davies are expected to be fit for the game against FC Copenhagen.
Predicted Starting XI
Manuel Neuer was in fine form against FC Koln on Friday. The German goalkeeper didn’t have to make big saves in the game, but his passing and awareness with the ball were crisp and impressive. He will look to build on that performance by delivering another complete performance on Wednesday.
Die Roten can afford to rotate the starting XI for this game since they have already sealed the top spot in the group. Kim Min-jae should get the deserved rest on Wednesday. Tuchel may use Leon Goretzka in central defense alongside Dayot Upamecano. Alphonso Davies and Noussair Mazraoui will slot in the left-back and right-back positions, respectively.
Konrad Laimer will get the chance to play in the midfield since Mazraoui will occupy the right-back position. The Austrian midfielder may become the experienced midfielder in the starting lineup since Joshua Kimmich may get rest. Aleksandar Pavlovic was impressive in his first Bundesliga start when Kimmich was suspended. The game against Copenhagen is the right time for him to get more minutes on the pitch.
Tuchel didn’t make any changes against FC Koln on Friday. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he made several changes in the attack. Mathys Tel and Serge Gnabry will start on the flanks, while Thomas Muller will slot in the number ten position. Harry Kane will lead the line for the record Bundesliga champions on Wednesday.
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Next. Tactical takeaways from 1-0 win against Koln. dark
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Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-2 FC Copenhagen
Bayern have scored freely this season ever since the arrival of Harry Kane. I expect them to continue their good form in the final third on Wednesday. Since it will be a make-shift defense at Allianz Arena, the visitors may score a couple of goals and make it a close game.