Bayern Munich kickstart their UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday as they take on FC Barcelona. The Bavarians crushed the Spanish giants 8-2 when these two teams last faced each other and given the ailing state of Barca, the visitors remain the undisputed favourites heading into this game. However, it will be youth against experience, as 34-year old Julian Nagelsmann gears up for his first Champions League clash as a Bayern coach.
Predicted Bayern Munich Lineup Vs Barcelona
Defence
Bayern Munich were boosted by the return of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard this past weekend. It offered Nagelsmann the opportunity to rest Niklas Sule, who is tipped to come back into the side this midweek.
The German international should once again pair up with Dayot Upamecano at the heart of the four-man Bayern Munich backline. Additional support should be provided by the returning Pavard, although Nagelsmann also has the option of deploying a more technically adept Josip Stanisic.
Alphonso Davies, meanwhile, remain a guaranteed starter out wide having emerged as one of Bayern’s best players so far this campaign. He will occupy his regular left-back slot, thus completing the Bayern back-four that will look to provide cover for Manuel Neuer in goal.
The veteran shot-stopper will be desperate for a clean sheet against FC Barcelona, having kept only one so far in the new season.
Midfield
Leon Goretzka was subbed off early in Bayern’s weekend game against RB Leipzig. The German international, therefore, is a guaranteed starter as he looks to continue his partnership with Joshua Kimmich at the base of Nagelsmann’s 4-2-3-1.
Getting past these two individuals could prove to be a tall order for Barcelona’s midfield setup. Not to mention, the visitors have other options as well, including new signing Marcel Sabitzer, who is more than capable of oscillating between an attack and a defensive role in the middle of the park.
Attack
As for the attack, Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the Bayern Munich frontline, as he looks to continue his excellent form this season. But things do get interesting elsewhere in the attack.
Kingsley Coman is absent through injury while Serge Gnabry picked up a knock this weekend. Nagelsmann thinks the injury isn’t too severe but it could be enough to give Jamal Musiala the nod in the starting eleven.
