INTRODUCTION
The Catalan giants travel to Munich for their biggest test of the season: to do battle with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. It's a fixture that conjures up lots of emotions for the Blaugrana, this time though, it's more of excitement than terror.
Barcelona are in far better shape than a year ago, so this fixture might not be as straightforward as the recent ones. They've began the season well, scoring freely and keeping it tight at the back. Now's a good a time as any to review their European credentials against one of, if not the toughest opponent out there right now.
The Bavarians, formidable as they are, have had a bit of hiccup lately in Bundesliga, with three consecutive draws. Their defense has been somewhat clumsy of late, but their attacking power is to be feared just as much as ever, even without now Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski. Their upper hand in this fixture historically gives them an edge, but even they know that it won't be so easy this time around.
INTERESTING STATS
- This fixtures been played Eleven times officially. Bayern Munich have won eight of them, drawing one, losing two.
- Bayern are undefeated in 30 of their last 32 matches in the Champions League.
- Bayern have scored at least 3 goals in their last 4 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.
- Bayern have won 7 of their last 8 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.
- Barcelona have won their last 5 games in all competitions.
- Barcelona have been losing at half-time and full-time in their last 3 games against Bayern Munich in all competitions.
TEAM NEWS
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich will be without Kingsley Coman (Hamstring) and Bouna Share (Tendon). Sane, Mane, Pavard and Hernandez were ewsted against Stuttgart and so are expected back in the starting XI.
Pavard and Hernandez are to come in for Mazraoui and Upamecano respectively; Sabitzer is rumored to be preferred to Goretzka alongside Kimmich at the base of midfield, Gnabry is expected to replace Coman and star alongside Mane and Sane in attack. Muller and Neuer are no brainers.
BARCELONA
Unless there are any late issues, Barcelona have no injury concerns. Sergi Roberto, despite his Injury scare against Plzen, has been included in the starting lineup.
Xavi was able to rotate against Cádiz, with Dembele, Pedri and Lewandowski coming off the bench to kill off the game, while Garcia and Kounde sat it out all together. All are expected to be back in the starting XI.
Kounde is expected to start at RB, with Araujo, Garcia and Balde completing the backline to Shield TerStegen. Pedri, Busquets and perhaps Gavi will take part in the midfield battle, while Lewandowski is expected to be flanked by Dembele and Raphinha, though Fati for the Brazilian might not be surprising.
Where is Bayern vs Barcelona playing?
Location: Munich, Germany
Stadium: Allianz Arena
Date: Tuesday 13 September
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST / 12 PST
VAR: Pol van Boekel
Referee: Danny Makkelie
CONCLUSION
This will be the biggest test of the season yet for both teams; Bayern Munich are expected to be their usual selves, so a win for them won't be a surprise.
However, it'll be a mistake by the Germans to write off a vibrant, confident Barcelona side that is coming into this tie on the back of a good run of form, a point to prove and vengeance on their minds. Plus, going by current form, a surprise result in the form of a Barça win cannot be ruled out completely.
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