Bayern Munich could not have hit harder in the knockout round of the Champions League. The German champions compete against Liverpool – and is certainly not a favorite this year.
It could also be a final: Already in the Champions League knockout round, two heavyweights meet with Liverpool vs Bayern Munich. While the Reds, however, dominate the domestic league, the FCB is currently weakening as in years no longer. Therefore, one should not write off the Bundesliga club: The Munich are facing their biggest challenge under coach Kovac – and his job is likely to depend not least on the cut against Liverpool.
Best Betting Tips Liverpool FC vs Bayern Munich
Only a year ago, FC Bayern might have been considered a favorite in the duel with the Reds – but the fast pace of football is not a trite phrase, but fact: this season, the bookmakers see last year’s CL finalist up front, if only just.
In the run-up, this distribution quite aptly reflects the balance of power that can be expected from the previous season: Liverpool has delivered far better playing time so far and greets in the highly competitive Premier League from the top. Bayern, meanwhile, threatens to be content after five championship titles in series for the first time again with second place behind Dortmund.
Since the teams individually balance more or less, in addition to the daily form, this general performance is likely to have a major impact on the game – and here the Reds win the bid.
However, if the winning bet seems to be too daring, then the goal bet is recommended as an alternative: Bayern have not been able to hold on to zero six times in a row – against teams like Augsburg, Stuttgart or Hertha BSC. The world-class offensive from Liverpool will probably take advantage of the Bavarian defensive weaknesses – but also be faced with problems: Especially against top teams, the backcourt of the Klopp team was not always fully up.
Liverpool FC
The last three results: 3: 0 vs. AFC Bournemouth, 1: 1 Vs. West Ham United, 1: 1 Vs. Leicester City
It goes: After a seemingly never-ending series of mixed appearances, Liverpool FC managed the first high-class performance of the calendar year 2019 in time for the CL dress rehearsal. The Klopp team won against AFC Bournemouth 3-0 – and finally sprayed the joy of playing again who are now so afraid of the Reds’ opponents.
As a can opener acted the form-strong Sadio Mané with his fourth goal in the past four competitive games. Georginho Wijnaldum made a worthwhile visit to Heber on the basis of the Senegalese’s lead, before a dream combination between Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah made the decision. The final result: 3: 0 – which the offensive trio Firmino-Salah-Mané had a share. Even away from their goals, the attackers spun Bournemouth’s defense.
Previously, the wit of those gentlemen had been little to see. Against West Ham United and Leicester City, the team recorded only point divisions (each 1: 1), whereby the team loses its lead at the top of the table fasts completely. Instead of once seven counters separate the Reds now only three points from the competition.
That the team is not completely hurried to the rest of the league – and probably the year 2019 – is due not least to Liverpool’s first season defeat, which caught the team for the New Year’s start against Manchester City (1: 2). Against the SkyBlues Klopp had apparently not chosen the correct match plan, his team lost deserved after 90 intense minutes. It was the last time the Reds faced an absolute top opponent – a bad omen?
Possible lineup Liverpool FC
Liverpool last played nine days ago – but the silence hardly helped: Virgil Van Dijk yellowed as well as the long-term injured Oxlade-Chamberlaine and Joe Gomez, next to the employability of Dejan Lovren, Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri big question marks. Above all, his defensive boss Van Dijk should Klopp against a striker of the caliber Robert Lewandowskis painfully miss – and replace as follows:
Alisson – Milner, Matip, Lovren, Robertson – Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita – M. Salah, Roberto Firminho, S. Mané
FC Bayern Munich
The last three results: 3: 2 vs. FC Augsburg, 3-1 vs. FC Schalke 04, 3: 2 n.V. vs. Hertha BSC
There are probably several readings, after which Bayern’s recent appearance against FC Augsburg (and also the before) can be judged: Some would probably say, the Bavarians are fully in the lead after three wins in a row and ready to face Liverpool. Others, on the other hand, might be of the opinion that, apart from the results, there was little convergence among the people of Munich. And somehow both are right.
Because the truth is ultimately, as so often in the middle: against Augsburg, for example, revealed the Munich in breakthrough once again worrying defensive deficiencies, the back team is and remains under Coach Kovac the problem child. Offensively, however, the Munich showed once again unerringly and scored for the sixth time in the past seven games three or more goals – and that, although chief clippers Lewandowski was not even successful.
Instead of the Pole, Kingsley brought Coman the coals out of the fire, with his double pack he stood symbolically for the offensive potency and the intact social fabric of the team, who despite two deficit remained literally on the ball and turned the game deservedly. Shortly before the final whistle Coman had to be replaced injured, which he also serves as a sad symbol: As soon as the Bayern approach important games, the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the performers seem particularly vulnerable.
The bottom line is Kovac in Liverpool facing his toughest challenge, which should decide on his job: After three consecutive wins, including one in extra time, you can call the team at least nervous and accurate, but nothing more. Is that enough against Liverpool?
Possible lineup Bayern Munich
The Bayern surprised during the week with the message that Coman despite ligament injury is soon back in action – possibly even against Liverpool. Currently, however, the Frenchman seems to fall out, as well as center-back Jerome Boateng and wing routine Franck Ribery, who would have made an excellent Coman replacement. As so often in the past few years, a Bayern coach must become creative before a game of fate:
New – Alaba, Sule, Hummels, Kimmich – Thiago, Goretzka, Javi Martinez – Gnabry, Lewandowski, James
Betting Tips: Over 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.72
