2ng leg v Bayern Munich

A no-nonsense, professional approach should see us through to the semi-finals…

v Bayern Munich

Allianz Areana

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 9/11

Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:

____________________Haaland____________________

 

 

Grealish___________________________________Silva

 

_________Gundogan____________De Bruyne________

 

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Ake______________________________________Stones

____________Dias_______________Akanji___________

 

 

____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Carson, Ortega, Gomez, Lewis, Laporte, Walker, Phillips, Perrone, Palmer, Foden, Mahrez & Alvarez.

Ederson keeps the gloves

Back to our more-regular back-4, I’d say for this one, which is Nathan, Ruben, Manuel & John.

Rodders, who could get some assistance from both Ilkay & John on occasions, sits the deepest of the midfielders; Jack, Kevin & Bernardo provide most of the attacking midfield / wing threat.

Erling to start ‘up front’ but, depending on how the scoreline looks in the second half, I can well imagine him-being one of at least a couple of substitutes in the ‘second 45’.

A full quota-squad has travelled to Germany and, therefore, we have a full-12 on the bench. Scott & Stefan are the reserve keepers; Sergio, Rico, Aymeric & Kyle are the defenders on the side. Kalvin, Maximo, Cole, a returning [from surgery recovery] Phil & Riyad are the midfielders / wingers in ‘the 11’, while Julian is the back-up striker.

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Yes.

Result? Despite the terrific 1^st-leg result of 3-0, our hosts remain a big threat for sure. Let’s not forget that despite conceding 3 and scoring none, they came to our place and had 56% overall possession. Not many teams do that to us, especially at home.

They’re sure to test our defences tonight and they might well breach them. The rumour is, also, that Bayern Munich legend, veteran and danger man, Thomas Muller, is likely to start; a player who only came on for the final 13 minutes of our last meeting.

Facing such a powerful side on their patch who simply have to ‘come at us’ is sure to be a daunting task for our players, particularly our rearguard personnel. Backed by a sure-to-be vociferous home crowd; there’s a danger of an early goal for them causing some nerves and that’s the last thing we need in this competition.

However, if we can ride any early storm which may come our way, having the home side pushing and pushing us could very easily play into our hands and if they give the likes of Kevin, Bernardo and / or Erling an inch; there’s a good chance they’ll punish the German side.

I think it’ll be an entertaining match; perhaps a little nervy for us at times but I believe it’s one that we’ll come out of alive and progress to the semi-finals. I'm calling it as a draw.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result:

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: It’s gonna feel just like home for the visiting team & supporters – wet, chilly and all with a little bit of a breeze. 5 or 6C is likely to feel more like 2 or 3C in the damp conditions and accompanying easterly air flow. At least the players can keep warm as they exert themselves for 90+ minutes. The pitch, by the way, will have had a good ol’ soaking throughout the day, so I expect to see fast-passing play at times.

Solidarity