Bayern Munich have suffered very few setbacks this season. The latest one came on Saturday as they succumbed to their first defeat of the Bundesliga campaign against Augsburg. Vincent Kompany’s men will look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday when they travel to Eindhoven for the Champions League clash against PSV.
Die Roten have sealed their spot in the round of 16 of the Champions League. However, the Bavarian club can certainly improve their seeding by finishing higher up in the points table. They are currently second in the points table, three points behind Arsenal.
Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven need a positive result to qualify for the play-off stage of the Champions League. In an ideal scenario, the Dutch side needs a win to ensure they climb higher in the points table. Currently, PSV sit 22nd in the points table.
Team News
Bayern have been struggling with multiple injuries in January. The only silver lining for Die Roten is the nature of these injuries. Most of the players will return from injuries in the coming weeks.
Sacha Boey returned to the squad for the clash against PSV. The French full-back has been on the sidelines due to illness. Dayot Upamecano has also recovered from an illness that kept him out of action for the last two games. Josip Stanisic and Konrad Laimer remain on the sidelines as they recover from their respective injuries. Raphael Guerreiro is also sidelined for a few more days due to a minor injury.
Predicted Starting XI
Even though Jonas Urbig had a difficult game against Augsburg, he should keep his place in the starting XI on Wednesday. With the spot in the round of 16 already sealed, it makes sense to rest Manuel Neuer and continue to give Urbig much-needed game time.
Dayot Upamecano will return to the starting XI to play alongside Jonathan Tah in the heart of defense. With multiple players injured in the right-back position, Kompany will have to continue with Alphonso Davies in this role. Hiroki Ito will start in the left-back role against PSV Eindhoven.
Kompany is expected to go with his preferred midfield partnership against PSV. Joshua Kimmich will play alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic in the centre of the park. The two German midfielders help Die Roten dominate games by controlling possession and creating chances.
With Jamal Musiala still building fitness, Kompany is expected to use him from the bench. Harry Kane will lead the attack against PSV, while Serge Gnabry will play behind him in the number ten position. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz will occupy the right and left flanks, respectively.
Predicted Starting XI: Urbig; Ito, Tah, Upamecano, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Diaz, Gnabry, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
PSV Eindhoven 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern have been exceptional in the Champions League this season. They have responded well to setbacks this campaign, so it is fair to expect a strong performance from Kompany’s men on Wednesday.