Bayern Munich has the chance to secure their place in the Champions League knockout rounds when they take on Galatasaray at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
The Bavarian powerhouse aims to complete the double over their Turkish opponents following a 3-1 victory in their previous meeting two weeks ago.
Match Preview
Bayern Munich bounced back from a disappointing DBF-Pokal second-round exit with a resounding 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion, just three days after the shock defeat.
Dayot Upamecano and Harry Kane played pivotal roles in securing the victory, helping Bayern remain in contention at the top of the Bundesliga table.
The Allianz Arena has been a fortress for Bayern, with four consecutive wins and an impressive 22 goals scored in their last four home games, including a thrilling 4-3 triumph over Manchester United in the Champions League.
Bayern is one of only four teams with a perfect group-stage record this season, boasting the longest unbeaten run in Champions League group-stage history, extending to 37 games after their win against Galatasaray two weeks ago.
The German giants have a dominant record against Turkish teams, including a remarkable 6-0 victory over Galatasaray in their only previous home encounter in 1972-73.
Galatasaray heads into the contest in good form, with eight wins in their last nine matches across all competitions, except for a 3-1 home loss to Bayern Munich.
In the domestic Super Lig, they’ve collected 31 out of 33 available points in 11 games, with 10 consecutive wins since the start of the season.
Wilfred Zaha has been instrumental for Galatasaray, helping them claim a 2-1 victory over Kasimpasa and move to the top of the Super Lig table.
In the Champions League, they are in contention to reach the last 16, sitting second in Group A, one point ahead of third-placed Manchester United.
Although Galatasaray has never beaten Bayern before, they head to Bavaria with optimism, having been unbeaten in their last 10 European away games and winning their last four away fixtures against German opposition.
Bayern Munich Champions League form:
W W W
Bayern Munich form (all competitions):
W W W W L W
Galatasaray Champions League form:
W W W D W L
Galatasaray form (all competitions):
W W W L W W
Team News
Bayern Munich will be without defender Matthijs de Ligt due to a partial knee ligament tear, and Tarek Buchmann remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. However, they welcome back Dayot Upamecano and Leon Goretzka.
Joshua Kimmich is available after serving a two-match domestic ban and is expected to return in midfield. Thomas Muller will continue to push Jamal Musiala for a start in the number 10 role.
For Galatasaray, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a dislocated elbow.
Halil Dervisoglu is ineligible to play, while Abdulkerim Bardakci is expected to move to center-back, allowing Kazimcan Karatas or Angelino to start on the left side of the defense.
Tete is set to compete with Hakim Ziyech for a start on the right flank, while Wilfred Zaha, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Mauro Icardi are expected to continue in attack.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
- Neuer;
- Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies;
- Laimer, Kimmich;
- Sane, Musiala, Coman;
- Kane
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
- Guvenc;
- Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Karatas;
- Ayhan, Torreira;
- Tete, Akturkoglu, Zaha;
- Icardi
Prediction
Expect goals in this match, as Bayern Munich has been prolific in front of the net. Bayern is the favorite, and they should have enough firepower to outscore Galatasaray en route to booking their place in the last 16.
- Our prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Galatasaray
