Robert Lewandowski will be the centre of attention as he is expected to start against his old team Bayern Munich in the Champions League later today.
Since joining Barcelona in the summer, the Polish striker has been in incredible form. Last week, in his debut European game for the team, he scored a hat-trick as Xavi’s team easily defeated Viktoria Plzen 5-1.
Although it is very clear who will be leading the line, Xavi must make a choice in several crucial areas. Raphinha and Ansu Fati are vying for the other position, although Ousmane Dembele has been as brilliant and is anticipated to start.
Both Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso have arrived in Munich after making their professional debuts last weekend against Cadiz. The starting lineup was widely rotated, and Pedri was one of those; he will certainly rejoin the team.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona’s Champions League matchup at the Allianz Arena promises to be an epic one. Due of the calibre of the teams, their group is already referred to as the “Group of Death.” Against Inter Milan last week, the Bavarian giants overcame the initial obstacle, but this time will be different.
If Bayern Munich’s league performance is any indication, they must regain their normal fluency. The Bundesliga champions have lost their previous three home games, the most recent against Stuttgart despite twice having the advantage. With Barcelona visiting, they will face their first major test of the season.
Barcelona has been scoring nonstop and has won their past five games across all competitions. The 8-2 thrashing against Bayern will stand out in your mind, but Xavi Hernandez is a new manager, and his team has undergone significant changes.
Barcelona is still in the shape that will allow them to take on a titan like Bayern with great confidence, but that does not mean they have the upper hand here. They’ll also be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses in Julian Nagelsmann’s present system, even though expecting a straightforward win right now would be unrealistic.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka began in midfield together over the weekend, but Marcel Sabitzer may take his position in the double pivot. Coman’s absence would allow Serge Gnabry to occupy the right flank of the Bayern Munich attack.
Against Stuttgart, Thomas Muller played the false nine position, with Jamal Musiala resuming his No. 10 position. With Sadio Mane expected to start for Bayern Munich against Barcelona after being placed on the bench at the weekend, Muller might return in the offensive midfield position. From the left side, Leroy Sane will offer assistance.
Probable Lineup – FC Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Pavard, de Ligt, Hernandez, Davies; Kimmich, Sabitzer; Gnabry, Muller, Sane; Mane
Probable Lineup – FC Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Garcia, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele
KEY POINTERS
- In their last 32 Champions League games, Bayern Munich has not lost.
- In each of Bayern Munich’s previous four games against Barcelona in all competitions, at least three goals have been scored.
- In their last eight games in all competitions versus Barcelona, Bayern Munich has prevailed seven times.
- Barcelona has won five straight games across all competitions.
- In their previous three meetings against Bayern Munich in all competitions, Barcelona has been losing both at halftime and at the end of the game.
Image Credit: BarcaBlaugranes
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