Bayern Munich - Chelsea
When: 21:00
Where: UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
Under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich shows impressive consistency. With five wins in five competitive matches, a 5-0 thrashing against Hamburg, and winning the DFB Supercup, the team demonstrates great strength. Harry Kane continues to score goals, Luis Díaz impresses with a series of strikes, while Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise consistently apply pressure on the wings. In home games during the group stage, Bayern has been unbeaten for 34 matches now and has started the Champions League with a win in 22 seasons. Despite absences like Jamal Musiala (fracture), Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Rafal Guerreiro, the squad depth remains high, enabling a high level of play.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s team returned to the competition thanks to a strong finish in the Premier League. The recent triumph in the Conference League and the Club World Cup victory bolster confidence. Chelsea remains unbeaten in the league so far but had to settle for draws twice in derbies. Cole Palmer quickly took on a key role, João Pedro shows sharp finishing, and Alejandro Garnacho brings pace on the left side. However, the injury list is long: Liam Delap, Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo are unavailable; Mikhail Mudrik is suspended. Additionally, João Pedro and Estevan Willian are doubtful, but the coach relies on Palmer’s quick adaptation as well as the experience of Cucurella and Reece James.
Injuries
Bayern must manage without Musiala, Ito, Davies, and Guerreiro. Chelsea is missing Delap, Badiashile, Lavia, Essugo, as well as suspended Mudrik. João Pedro and Estevan Willian are questionable, yet the coach trusts the squad’s adaptability.
Head-to-Head
Since the 2012 final, Bayern and Chelsea have met three times, with Bayern winning each encounter, including an impressive 7-1 aggregate over two legs in the 2019/20 knockout round. Furthermore, Bayern has remained unbeaten at home against Chelsea in Champions League group stage matches since December 2013.
Match Prediction
Both teams boast strong offensive qualities, but the home advantage at the Allianz Arena and Bayern’s impressive winning streak make Kompany’s side the clear favorite. Chelsea will look to make an impact with quick transitions, especially via Garnacho and Palmer, yet the combination of Kane and Díaz, along with the support of the home fans, will be the deciding factor. A high-scoring game with an edge to Bayern is expected, around a 3-2 result.
My tip: Bayern Munich to win (1.65)
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