With the 19/20 league season complete at a majority of the top European countries, the focus is now set to move onto the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. The first-leg clashes of a variety of fixtures have already been played out, and one such result saw Bavarian giants Bayern Munich put Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side to the sword with 3-0 victory against the London club at Stamford Bridge. The Blues now travel to Munich this weekend, in the improbable hopes of overturning the three-goal deficit.
Here Is The Bayern Munich Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview:
Talking Tactics
Bayern Munich
The German outfit are coming into this fixture with a three-goal lead already in the bag, which means that they should be able to get the results even with a slightly conservative performance. Despite the comfortable position they find themselves in, Bayern Munich will likely try and attack this Chelsea side, in the hope of dismantling them in the same manner they did in west London. The Bavarians are expected to control possession and the chances created, with the Blues being limited to the occasional touch of the ball in midfield.
Chelsea
Frank Lampard’s youthful Chelsea side are all but out of the competition even at this stage, as scoring three times against Bayern Munich without conceding would be a challenge for even the strongest clubs in the world. The Blues are unlikely to try and sit back and play on the counter though, as Lampard will be eager to try and produce one of the most miraculous comebacks in Champions League history. High-pressing and rapid counter-attacking are likely to be the trend of the game for the Blues, who will be hoping for a Munich shocker to help their cause as well.
Team News
Bayern Munich
The German side had completed their league season a while ago, which obviously means that the London club will have a telling edge on the pitch when it comes to full match fitness. Despite this, the Bavarian squad is likely going to be much stronger than any eleven Chelsea can field this weekend. The Bundesliga giants have next to no injury concerns to be worried about for this fixture, with World Cup winning full-back Benjamin Pavard the only casualty for Munich to deal with.
Predicted Lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Thiago, Goretzka; Gnabry, Muller, Coman; Lewandowski
Chelsea
The Blues’ squad has been torn to shreds over the last few weeks as Frank Lampard’s side currently have nine first-team players unavailable for selection. Willian and French midfield ace N’Golo Kante are both doubts for this tie, having played no part in the FA Cup final last weekend. The London club’s other injury concerns include skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and wide-man Christian Pulisic, who have both been ruled out as well. Jorginho and Marcos Alonso were suspended in the first-leg, while Billy Gilmour and Pedro are both out nursing long-term problems as well.
Predicted Lineup: Caballero; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Emerson; Kante, Barkley, Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Abraham, Mount
Key Men
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians were able to successfully manoeuvre past Chelsea in the first-leg thanks to a stellar performance on the flank from former Arsenal speedster Serge Gnabry. The winger managed to completely tear the Blues’ back-line apart on that occasion, and a similar performance here could make this an embarrassing result for the London club.
Chelsea
As exciting as it might seem on paper, Lampard will, in all probability, know that this match is well and truly beyond them. Despite this, the gaffer could try to incorporate some changes in an attempt to surprise the German side. The introduction of Tammy Abraham could have a positive impact on the front-line, as unlike Giroud, the Englishman has the pace required to get in behind the defence.
