The key battles and narratives ahead of Bayern Munich's showdown with Benfica

Having a look at some of the big match ups, as well as some of the narrative ahead of Bayern Munich's crunch Champions League clash at home to Benfica

Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi - once team mates, now opponents
Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi - once team mates, now opponents | OLI SCARFF/GettyImages
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Michael Olise vs Alvaro Carreras

Alvaro Carreras has had a brilliant start to life in Lisbon since joining from Manchester United in the summer. The left-back has done so well that there is already interest from elsewhere, including United, who are reported to have a buy-back clause. This could be one of the biggest tests Michael Olise has had in a Bayern shirt so far, making for an interesting battle.

Harry Kane vs Nicolás Otamendi

Benfica central defender Nicolás Otamendi is a former partner of Vincent Kompany, from their four years together at Manchester City – playing 52 games together. The veteran defender has come up against Harry Kane seven times in his career, for a total of 533 minutes – with Kane scoring two goals and providing an assist in that time.

The 36-year also played with Leroy Sané 89 times in his career, in their five years in Manchester together, as the Bayern winger will hope to make an impact - likely off the bench. Quite the Manchester City reunion on show. Let's hope it is the Bayern corner that comes out on top.

Winger Zeki Amdouni played for Kompany on 37 occasions at Burnley, and will be trying to give any insight to Kompany’s style that could give Benfica even the slightest benefit. He is unlikely to start the game, but could well play a part off the bench in the second half.