UEFA Champions League 2018-19: Liverpool vs Bayern: Preview and prediction
What's the story
Liverpool will be hosting Bayern Munich for their Champions League round of 16 fixture's first leg on Wednesday. This will be one of the most exciting matches of this round, with both teams having a rich European history and looking well-balanced on paper. Will Liverpool be able to dominate at home and create a comfortable margin for themselves? Here's our match preview.
Liverpool
How are Liverpool looking ahead of the match?
Liverpool, finalists of last season, had a tumultuous group stage in this season's Champions League, but managed to qualify after defeating Napoli at home. Liverpool's trouble will be their injury concerns with players like Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez out of action tomorrow. Virgil van Dijk stands suspended. Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned from his injury and will be available for the match.
Bayern Munich
Are Bayern Munich ready for the challenge?
Bayern had started the season poorly under new manager Niko Kovac, but have since recovered from their slump in form and are trailing two points behind Dortmund in the Bundesliga title race. Kingsley Coman has apparently injured his ankle and will most likely not be available for the match. Thomas Muller will also not be playing due to a suspension.
Key players
Who will be the key players in the match?
Liverpool's front three comprising of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane will be their trump cards in the match. Alisson's performance as their custodian will also be crucial in deciding the match's result. Robert Lewandowski's impressive form will be a boon for Bayern Munich, and Neuer will also play an important part as the goalkeeper.
TV listing
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane. : Bayern Munich: Neuer; Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Gnabry, James, Coman; Lewandowski. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 1:30 AM on Wednesday and will be broadcast on the Sony Six network and can also be live-streamed on the Sony LIV website and mobile application.
Prediction
How can the match turn out tomorrow?
Liverpool are the favorites tomorrow considering their brilliant form in the Premier League this season. However, they will be without key players like van Dijk, something which can trouble them against an opponent as tough as Bayern Munich. Bayern should get the necessary away goals to make matters easier in the next leg. We predict the match to go 2-1 in Liverpool's favor.
Fantasy XI
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Choose a 4-3-3 formation for the match with Neuer as the goalkeeper. Matip and Hummels can be the center-backs as Kimmich and Roberston take up the left and right back roles respectively. Wijnaldum, Martinez, and Thiago can be the midfielders, while James, Firmino, and Sala take up the attacking responsibilities.