Prediction: Both teams to score – Liverpool to Win
Odds: 5/1
Bookmaker: Bet365
Liverpool will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night as they head to the Allianz Arena to do battle with Bayern Munich.
The two teams drew 0-0 the last time they met at Anfield, giving either side a great chance of reaching the next round.
Liverpool
Having reached the final of the competition last year, another quarter-final this time around for Jurgen Klopp’s men would be fantastic amidst their battle for the Premier League crown. Despite that, the Reds come into the match in slightly indifferent form having only won three out of their last eight games in all competitions. As a matter of fact, they have failed to find the net in three out of their last five games – not a statistic they will relish considering that they have to score to all-but go through against Bayern. Their form in Europe is also slightly worrying too. In seven matches in the Champions League this season, they have only won three. Even more concerning, the Reds have lost their last five away matches in the competition. They have never lost six consecutive matches in Europe’s elite competition.
Team News
Midfielder Naby Keita reportedly missed Liverpool’s last training session before they flew out to Bavaria so he could be a doubt for the match. James Milner and Trent Alexander-Arnold did take part in the session though so could well be ready to return to action. However, long-term absentees Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are restricted to the treatment table.
Bayern Munich
Despite a stumbling start to the season, Niko Kovac’s Bayern finally appear to have rediscovered their mojo. A run of seven games undefeated, including last weekend’s 6-0 drubbing of Wolfsburg, has seen them reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga. Regardless of that tricky start, Bayern never let their standards slip in Europe. They have only lost one out of their last 17 games in the Champions League – that solitary loss coming against Real Madrid in last-season’s semi-finals. Having said that, they have drawn their last two games in the competition meaning Bayern now could notch three stalemates in a row in the Champions League for the first time since 2006. One statistic that could give Bayern fans confidence though is their recent record in the competition. In the last ten seasons, they have only failed to progress to at least the quarter-finals once, and even that was back in the 2010/11 season.
Team News
The match could be too early for winger Arjen Robben to make his return after being ruled out since November. Corentin Tolisso also remains out with a cruciate ligament rupture. Key man Joshua Kimmich will also not take to the field due to suspension.
Key Facts To Consider
- Liverpool have the marginally better all-time record between the two sides (W2, D4, L1)
- Bayern’s only win against Liverpool came in 1971
- Jurgen Klopp has only won nine out of 30 matches against Bayern Munich as a manager
- Robert Lewandowski is the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season with eight goals
- Both teams have scored in all games between Bayern and Liverpool in Germany
Conclusion
With both teams needing to score in Munich to guarantee their progression to the next round, this game could indeed be quite an open affair. Both sides are likely to find the back of the net at the Allianz, with Robert Lewandowski amongst the favourites to score the opening goal of the game.
Prediction: Both teams to score – Liverpool to Win
Odds: 5/1
Bookmaker: Bet365
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