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Title-chasing Liverpool (yep, Man. United fans, that’s what they are these days) square up to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round Of 16.
This first leg is about sending out strong enough teams to be in a decent position for the second tie for the managers. This is due to the long list of absentees for each side.
For Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller serves a suspension while injuries to Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng sees them ruled out. Kingsley Coman has recovered from a knock but would be carefully eased into action. Jürgen Klopp ponders who to line up at centre back for Liverpool following Virgil Van Dijk’s suspension and Joe Gomez’s long-term injury. Dejan Lovren remains a doubt in defence alongside striker Roberto Firmino.
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| Robert Lewandowski (Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) |
Fabinho would most likely slot into central defence alongside Joel Matip and look to reduce the influence of Robert Lewandowski. Bayern’s polish superstar is a world-class goalscorer, one of the best centre forwards around who comfortably shoulders goalscoring responsibilities.
The whole Bayern line-up would be wary of Liverpool’s high-pressing and sleek forward movements. There have been far too many defensive mistakes and clean sheets have been very hard to come by for Bayern. This makes it a tantalizing prospect for Liverpool who are sure to get chances in the final third, it’s up to Bayern to ensure to reply with enough away goals.
Bayern Munich have found their feet since Niko Kovac’s tumultuous start to life as boss. Reducing the gap to table-topping Dortmund to three points in the league.
This Champions league knockout fixture presents a chance to redeem their season. Despite having won as many Champions league trophies as Liverpool, five, The Bavarians are more experienced in recent years. They have been involved in the quarter or Semi-finals every season since their 2013 triumph, while Liverpool are on a return to the big time, following last year’s run to the final and the title race this season.
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| Joshua Kimmich would be important for the visitors. (AFP/Getty Images) |
Liverpool however, want to prove their mettle against European heavyweights to accompany their league standing. Jürgen Klopp would be keen to improve his record against Bayern having tussled for the Bundesliga title as Dortmund boss. He must know that he has a good chance to get the better of Bayern considering their defensive woes against his side’s attack. In fairness, Liverpool simply must take this opportunity to send another warning to Europe’s elite.
Would Liverpool compound Bayern’s 2018/2019 nightmare or would the experienced Bavarians deliver a win for old times’ sake? Anfield has all the answers tonight.
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