Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester City | Wednesday 17 September | Allianz Arena | 20:45
Surely Manchester City have a right to complain to UEFA officials? They are the current champions of England, a league regarded by many to be the best in the world, yet they are still relegated to these Draconian draws by virtue of their relative European inexperience. Now they have to contest with perennial European juggernaut Bayern Munich in their first game. That being said, if there ever was a time to exploit a supposed weakness in Munich, this could be that opportunity. Potentially still licking their wounds from a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid last season, Bayern have a plethora of injury concerns which could offer City real hope of destabilising the fabric of this group.
To Win (90mins)
Bayern Munich 13/20
Draw 28/10
Manchester City 39/10
Bayern Munich
Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich experiment has thus far been largely characterised by a free-flowing, dynamic style that can only be praised. Yet, despite their utter dominance of German domestic football, there can be no mistaking that Champions League glory is the ultimate prize for the Bavarian giants. They seem likely to miss the talismanic figure of Arjen Robben this week due to injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara are also set to miss the action. Javi Martinez is also unavailable, which will almost certainly necessitate the inclusion of Xabi Alonso in the holding role alongside Lahm.
I’m not saying Alonso is not a talented footballer – he often displays mesmeric passing range and his experience is unsurpassed – but surely he isn’t the type of player that Guardiola believes can help close the gap. I feel that Toure and Silva could give Alonso a thorough examination. Lewandowski will almost certainly lead the line ahead of a formidable midfield diamond of Gotze, Muller and Franck Ribery. The indefatigable Frenchman has looked impressive this season and could pose Bacary Sagna some real problems on the left-hand side. They will be slightly short in key positions, which could present a real opportunity for Pellegrini’s City.
Manchester City
Manuel Pellegrini will be banned from the touchline on Wednesday following comments he made in the wake of their Champions League exit to Barcelona last season. Pablo Zabaleta is also suspended, which will see the vastly experienced figure of Bacary Sagna charged with the unenviable task of marking Franck Ribery. I’m certain that Pellegrini will opt for one striker up front, considering the talent at Munich’s disposal. Fernandinho and Toure will offer a muscular force in midfield, while Pellegrini would be wise to utilise the electrifying pace of Navas on the counterattacks.
Silva, Nasri and Aguero should keep a reshuffled backline guessing the entire game. The form of Joe Hart could be decisive, as the England shot stopper seems unable to completely replicate his international form at club level. The more defensively stable Kolarov will likely replace Clichy while James Milner may be another man to miss out. The Allianz Arena played host to a cracking game between these two clubs last season, with City coming out with a 3-2 victory that couldn’t quite see them usurp Munich’s top place finish. This is actually quite a difficult one to call, with both sides searching for a statement of intent going into this European campaign.
VERDICT: Draw 28/10
This should be an exhilarating affair, as Bayern battle to fully compensate with some of their injury concerns. City have the quality to destabilise an unsettled Munich midfield, particularly with Toure returning to the mix. However, Bayern’s considerable attacking prowess should be enough to offset their defensive cohesion. Ribery will be influential, while Demichelis’ lack of pace may also be an issue for City. A highly entertaining draw is on the cards. For those looking for something a little less risky, Both Teams to Score at 6/10 or over 2.5 goals at 11/20 will also do.
The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.
