One of the most eagerly-awaited meetings in the last 16 of the Champions League takes place on Tuesday when Liverpool host Bayern Munich. Liverpool will be feeling refreshed after a warm-weather training camp in Marbella (already their second mini-break this year, though apparently it has not been as sunny as in Dubai). The home team will be feeling a bit more pressure than Bayern, who have won their last six matches and qualified for the last 16 unbeaten.
It’s fair to say that Liverpool are having a bit of a moment this year. They’re poised in second place with the same amount of points as Man City and a game in hand. But then, Bayern Munich’s position is curiously similar (although not quite as secure). They’re five points behind leaders Dortmund and while they don’t have the game in hand like Liverpool do but they appear to be the closest competition. Of course, the Liverpool manager is the former manager of Dortmund, so this adds a little extra edge to proceedings.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Predictions
Liverpool’s home advantage and more restful week makes them big favourites on Tuesday, something manager Jurgen Klopp finds amusing. Despite his downplaying of expectations, just about everyone believes that the first leg will go Liverpool’s way.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Betting Tips
Head to Head
- Of the seven meetings between these teams over the years, the majority (four) have ended in a draw.
- Liverpool have won two games, Bayern just the one.
- Their last win, encouragingly for Liverpool, was a 2-3 victory away from home in the UEFA Cup in 2001.
Liverpool Team News
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the side to face Bournemouth, but a number of doubts still hang over the Reds. Xherdan Shaqiri was out of the team last weekend, but his minor abdominal issues are not thought to be serious and he’ll more than likely return to face his old team. Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all remain out of action, and Virgil van Dijk finds himself suspended.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Fabinho, Andy Robertson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Bayern Munich Team News
Captain Manuel Neuer is likely to return after two games out with a sore thumb, but Corentin Tolisso’s torn ACL and Arjen Robben’s thigh injury will keep them out of the team. Thomas Muller’s red card for a Matrix-style kick to the back of Nicolas Tagliafico’s head means that he will be missing out on both matches.
Bayern Munich starting XI: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule, David Alaba, Leon Goretzka, Thiago, James Rodriguez, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Robert Lewandowski
