Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur side had been in a decent run of form in recent weeks until they went and lost to Manchester United just a few days ago. Although they bounced back superbly by hitting Burnley for five goals on the weekend, they will have to be at their absolute best, if they hope to lay a glove on this Bayern Munich team in midweek.
The last meeting between the two sides resulted in a comfortable win for the German champions. However, the fact that neither Mauricio Pochettino nor Niko Kovac are still at their respective clubs shows just how much has changed in such a short time. With qualification to the next round and their positions in the group also confirmed, this fixture is going to be played just for pride.
Team News
Jose Mourinho stated during his press conference yesterday that Harry Kane will play no part in their visit to the Allianz Arena. With 2nd place already in the bag, this could come as the perfect opportunity for the Portuguese tactician to rest some of his more important players. He even said that the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Ryan Sessegnon, Oliver Skipp and Troy Parrott, could be given opportunities to express themselves on the night.
Meanwhile, usual midfield duo Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele have both picked up ankle knocks in recent weeks and could be doubts to start this fixture. Also, Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm are both injured, effectively leaving Spurs just one realistic goalkeeping option. Erik Lamela and Ben Davies have both been ruled out of contention for this Champions League encounter as well.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Bayern Munich
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
The injuries picked up by Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm have come as a massive positive for second-choice goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentine is now a shoo-in into the side, considering that José doesn’t have any other options to choose from.
In front of him, expect to see Davinson Sanchez continue in the centre of defence, alongside young Argentine defender Juan Foyth. The youngster can play as a full-back as well but expect to see Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters take up the left and right-back positions respectively.
Midfield
Mourinho suggested that this could be an excellent opportunity to give youth a try, meaning that young Oliver Skipp is effectively guaranteed a start this time around. The injury picked up by Harry Winks will further his chances even more, and he is expected to be partnered in the centre of the park by midfield destroyer Victor Wanyama.
The attacking-midfield line will have a much fresher look about it than usual, as summer acquisition Giovani Lo Celso is likely to make his first ever start under Jose Mourinho. The former La Liga star hasn’t been able to hit the ground running so far, and this fixture could be the perfect opportunity. On the flanks, expect to see Ryan Sessegnon and Lucas Moura supporting the main striker.
Attack
Harry Kane’s efforts over the last many weeks have been exemplary, and it’s only fair that Jose has decided to give the English talisman a game off. With Troy Parrott expected to replace him in the first-team, this could be an excellent opportunity for the young prodigy to prove himself. He’s been extremely highly rated by many of Europe’s bigger clubs and could be given a rare chance to start against one of the biggest sides in Europe.
