Bayern Munich and Manchester United, two European powerhouses, are set to clash at the Allianz Arena in their opening Group A fixture of the Champions League on Wednesday night. With a combined total of nine European crowns, these teams have a rich history in competitive matchups.
The last time they faced each other in a competitive fixture was nine years ago when Bayern emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in a quarter-final second-leg tie. Their previous encounter in the group stage dates back to 2001.
Preview:
Bayern Munich started the new Bundesliga season with an impressive run, winning all three of their opening games.
However, their winning streak came to an end with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen last Friday.
Despite taking the lead through Harry Kane’s 300th career club goal, Bayern settled for a point after an 86th-minute strike by Leon Goretzka was canceled out by a penalty kick from Exequiel Palacios in stoppage time.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the need for more aggression from his team and is determined to rectify their performance in the upcoming Group A opener against Manchester United.
Tuchel has not yet defeated United on home soil as a manager in four previous attempts.
Bayern Munich has a strong record against Manchester United at home, having won three matches and drawn two.
They are confident in their ability to secure top spot in Group A, which also includes Galatasaray and Copenhagen.
With a remarkable 34-game unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage, Bayern aims to extend their record of 14 successive group-stage home wins.
On the other hand, Manchester United is facing a challenging period, having suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
This loss adds to their struggles in the Premier League, where they have lost three out of their opening five games, currently sitting in 13th place.
Despite these setbacks, manager Erik ten Hag maintains that the team is not in crisis and urges them to “stick to the plan.”
Manchester United has a tough schedule ahead, with an away game against Burnley followed by their match against Bayern Munich.
Their recent encounters with Bayern have not been favorable, with only one win in their last eight meetings in the Champions League.
However, United fans will fondly remember their historic 1999 final victory over Bayern Munich under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Team News:
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is uncertain for the match due to an inflamed tendon. Other players on the sidelines include Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Raphael Guerreiro, and Tarek Buchmann.
For Manchester United, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be unavailable for several weeks due to an injury sustained against Brighton.
Diogo Dalot is expected to take his place at right-back. Several other players, including Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, are also sidelined. However, there is hope for at least one player to return for the match.
Predicted Lineups:
Bayern Munich:
Ulreich;
Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies;
Laimer, Goretzka;
Sane, Musiala, Gnabry;
Kane
Manchester United:
Onana;
Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon;
Casemiro, Eriksen;
Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford;
Hojlund
Prediction:
Considering Bayern Munich’s formidable attacking lineup and Manchester United’s current struggles, our prediction favors Bayern Munich to win the match 3-1.
The Bavarians’ clinical goalscorer, Harry Kane, and their pacey attackers are expected to exploit United’s vulnerable defense.