FC Barcelona (BAR) will host six-time champions Bayern Munich (BAY) in their opening Group E fixture of UEFA Champions League 2021-22 at the Camp Nou in the early hours of Wednesday, September 15.
This will be the first meeting between the two European giants since Barcelona’s humiliating 2-8 defeat against the Bavarians in the UCL 2019-20 quarter-final.
Since then, Barcelona have started to rebuild their squad with young homegrown talents under manager Ronald Koeman. However, Barcelona have lost two star players in Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann in the summer transfer window and will bank on their experienced players like Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong and new signing Memphis Depay to put on an improved show against the German champions.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich head into the fixture high on confidence after thrashing RB Leipzig 4-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Under the tutelage of new manager Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern are currently placed second in Bundesliga 2021-22 points table with 10 points from four games.
The Bavarians will look to continue their dominance over the Catalan giants in their first group match of UCL 2021-22.
BAR vs BAY Dream11 Prediction
Bayern Munich have a superior head-to-head record against FC Barcelona in the Champions League, winning eight of the 13 matches played between these two footballing giants. The Catalans have managed just three wins while two matches have ended in draws. Furthermore, Bayern have an experienced squad on paper and will start as overwhelming favourites against Barcelona.
BAR vs BAY Dream11 team tips for UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Top tip: Best forward
Picking Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski in any fantasy football team is a no-brainer. The 33-year-old Poland striker is arguably the best centre forward in the world at the moment and had netted 48 goals for Bayern last season. Lewandowski was in red hot form in the last Bundesliga season, scoring 41 goals to break Gerd Muller’s single-season scoring record.
Top tip: Best midfielder
FC Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets will be the preferred choice for the midfield role ahead of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner is one of the best defensive midfielders in football history and has made more than 600 appearances for the Blaugrana outfit. Busquets is tipped to play an important role for Barcelona once again at the Camp Nou.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies played a pivotal role in their 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona. The Canadian international tormented the Barcelona defence with his rapid pace, dribbling and creativity. He is expected to have an upper hand against veteran defenders Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba in the upcoming fixture.
For the goalkeeper spot, Manuel Neuer pips his compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to his ability to pull off stunning saves under pressure. The German custodian has helped Bayern clinch two Champions League titles in the 2012–13 and 2019–20 seasons, and will be difficult to beat as always.
BAR vs BAY probable playing XI
BAR probable XI (3-5-2): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet; Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jordi Alba; Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay
BAY probable XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Alphonso Davies, Niklas Süle, Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka; Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane; Robert Lewandowski
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Featured photo: Manu Fernandez / POOL / AFP
