Published on: Feb 18, 2019 4:36 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 20, 2019 10:52 am IST
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Playerzpot Prediction | Champions League Round of 16 | 1st Leg
Last year’s finalists Liverpool will face Bayern Munich at the Anfield in the first leg of Round of 16 in the Champions League. The two European heavyweights will fight each other over two legs to secure a player in the quarter-finals. Liverpool and Bayern Munich, both, sit in the second position in their respective leagues. However, Liverpool has a game in hand over the table toppers Manchester City.
Both the teams have significant players missing due to suspensions or injuries. Liverpool will be gutted to lose Virgil Van Dijk for such a big game as the towering Dutchman is out with a suspension. The significance of Van Dijk for his club cannot be overstated as the defender has been the leader at the back for them. Jurgen Klopp must be blaming his rotten luck to lose two more defenders in Dejan Lovren (doubtful) and Joe Gomez due to injury.
Much like Liverpool, Bayern has problems of their own coming into this tie. The Bundesliga club will be without the services of Thomas Muller, who is suspended due to a red card against Ajax in group stages. The seasoned Raumdeuter will be a huge miss for Bayern Munich as his experience could have helped them a lot in such a big match. Midfielder Corentin Tolisso is out injured while Coman and Ribery are also doubtful.
Bayern Munich boast of an impeccable record against English opponents in Europe. English teams like Arsenal and Chelsea have faced the wrath of the German giants in recent years. Arsenal, in particular, has been beaten comprehensively by Bayern Munich time and again. Bayern also has a very good in the round of 16 of Champions League, having won 11 of their last 14 matches.
Even though Liverpool are currently in the second position in the Premier League, they have been the best team in England thus far. In a game less than Manchester City, they find themselves tied for points with the table toppers. It goes without saying that Bayern Munich have a tough task at hand.
Recent Form:
Liverpool – W W D D W
Bayern Munich – W L W W W
Venue – Anfield, Liverpool
Match Referee – Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Date & Time – 20th Feb | 01:30 AM IST
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Expected Line-ups:
Liverpool Line-up: (Possible)
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Bayern Munich Line-up: (Possible)
Neuer, Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Gnabry, James, Coman; Lewandowski