Prediction: Bayern Munich vs PSG

Verdict: Bayern Munich win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet

In a repeat of last year’s Champions League Final, Bayern Munich and PSG will face off for their first-leg meeting at The Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Bayern Munich

Starting with the hosts, while Bayern Munich might have been rocked by the news that attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski picked up an injury while away on international duties, the German giants have marched on without him. Marking their return to action over the weekend, The Bavarians picked up what could turn out to be a crucial 1-0 victory away at RB Leipzig. Extending their buffer at the top of the Bundesliga to a commanding seven-point buffer, Hans-Dieter Flick’s men also find themselves enjoying a seven-match winning run across all formats. With their sights once again set on completing a silverware sweep this season, Bayern eventually cruised their way past Lazio last month. Picking up a 6-2 aggregate romp to book Wednesday’s blockbuster showdown, the defending champions also hold a stellar European record on home soil. Including victories over the likes of Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Tottenham and Lazio, Bayern have won each of their last eight straight Champions League contests at The Allianz.

Team News

Bayern Munich have already confirmed that the trio of Douglas Costa (metatarsal), Robert Lewandowski (knee), Corentin Tolisso (thigh) will miss out on Wednesday night.

Likewise, Bayern are also sweating over the fitness of both second-choice keeper Hoffmann Ron-Thorben (knee) and Tanguy Nianzou (thigh).

PSG

As for the visitors, while their stunning first-leg victory at the Nou Camp last month might have helped PSG cruise their way to the quarter-finals, the French giants have struggled to fully find their feet under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Coming under real scrutiny in the capital after their display over the weekend, The Blues were hit with a 1-0 defeat against Lille, a result that saw them get leapfrogged at the top of the Ligue 1 table. Now in an uphill battle to retain their domestic crown this year, the former Tottenham coach has seen his side win just a pair of their last five matchups across all formats. With their recent inconsistencies highlighted by a shocking 2-1 defeat against Nantes prior to March’s international break, there is no doubt that Pochettino will be calling on attacking talisman Kylian Mbappe to lead their charge on foreign soil. Despite failing to find the net in his fortnight with France, the 22-year-old superstar has recorded six Champions League goals this season, with only Erling Haaland recording more.

Team News

PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes will miss Wednesday’s trip to Germany due to a one-match suspension.

Danilo Pereira also looks set to miss out on PSG’s first-leg due to a calf injury. Likewise, Marco Verratti and Alessandro Florenzi have both returned positive coronavirus tests and will play no part.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in last summer’s Champions League final, Bayern Munich picked up a 1-0 victory in Portugal.
• Wednesday’s hosts have won each of their last eight straight Champions League contests on home soil.
• Kylian Mbappe has recorded six Champions League goals this season, with only Erling Haaland recording more.
• PSG have managed to win just a pair of their last five matchups across all formats.
• Including winning their last three straight meetings against PSG, Bayern Munich have also won four of their last five contests against the French champions.

Conclusion

While Bayern Munich might be unable to call upon attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski in midweek, the German giants should be smelling a chance on home soil. Looking to open up an advantage on Wednesday night and marking their return with a crucial victory against RB Leipzig over the weekend, the defending European champions are enjoying a real purple patch. Winning each of their last eight straight Champions League contests at The Allianz Arena, an inconsistent PSG should face another stern test. Hit with that 1-0 loss against Lille on Saturday and losing their spot at the top of the Ligue 1 table, Mauricio Pochettino’s side should also be concerned by their record against Bayern. Including watching the German’s lift the title thanks to a 1-0 win last summer, PSG have lost four of their last five meetings against Wednesday’s hosts and we’re backing a similar outcome.

Verdict: Bayern Munich win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet