Liverpool will play hosts to Bayern Munich at Anfield looking to get a victory in front of the home supporters on Tuesday night. The Reds are enjoying a good run of form and will come into his contest at the back of a 3-0 win over Bournemouth earlier this month.
However, the Bavarian giants won’t be any push-overs as they will visit the red half of Merseyside after a hard-fought 3-2 over Augsburg on Friday. Both teams are expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation for this crucial European encounter in midweek.
Team News
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp will have some selection issues in defence as most of his first-choice centre-backs are set to miss out on Tuesday night. Both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are still spending time on the treatment table while Virgil Van Dijk is suspended for this clash at Anfield. However, on the positive side, Trent-Alexander Arnold is expected to be fit and ready to start at right-back.
Bayern Munich
Both Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben are out of this contest due to injury while Kingsley Coman is a slight doubt following a problem he sustained against Augsburg on Friday. Despite the injury scare, he should be fit to make the cut in Niko Kovac’s starting XI.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool
Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Fabinho, Andrew Robertson; James Milner, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Sule, Mats Hummels, David Alaba; Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcântara; Serge Gnabry, James Rodríguez, Kingsley Coman; Robert Lewandowski
Key Men
Liverpool
The makeshift centre-back partnership between Matip and Fabinho would be a critical factor in determining the outcome of this encounter. The Reds need to find a way to cope with all of their defensive injuries, so the duo needs to perform well on Tuesday night.
The front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane will also need to score a few goals up top so that the Merseyside outfit have something to hang on to heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena next month.
Bayern Munich
Lewandowski has been in a rich vein of form of late and has a stellar goal-scoring record in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Polish forward has scored eight goals in Europe this term which should give him a lot of confidence going into this clash at Anfield.
Manuel Neuer can expect a busy night out as he is likely to be heavily tested at the back while up against the terrific trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane.
Odds
Liverpool win – 21/20
Draw – 14/5
Bayern Munich win – 13/5
