FC Bayern Munich (BAY) host FC Barcelona (BAR) in a crucial Group E encounter in UEFA Champions League 2021-22 at the Allianz Arena in the wee hours of Thursday, December 9. The match will begin at 1:30 AM IST.
Under new head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern have been one of the most dominant sides in the Champions League this season. The Bavarians have won all their five matches in UCL 2021-22 and have already qualified for the knockout stage by securing the top spot in Group E.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have struggled in the ongoing edition of the Champions League. The Catalan giants have secured just two wins in five matches and need to win their last group match against Bayern in order to secure their place in the round of 16.
Anything apart from a Barcelona win will offer third-placed Benfica an opportunity to qualify for the knockouts provided they beat Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday.
BAY vs BAR Dream11 Prediction
Bayern Munich have dominated Barcelona in the UCL, winning nine of the 14 matches played between these two successful clubs. Barcelona have managed just three victories and the Bavarians had earlier beaten the Catalans 3-0 in Matchday 1 of the ongoing Champions League campaign. While Bayern are expected to rest some of their players on Thursday, the Bundesliga champions will still start as favourites against a struggling Barcelona outfit.
BAY vs BAR Dream11 team tips for UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Top tip: Best forward
Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski scored a brace on Saturday to help his side beat rivals Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker and move four points clear on top of the Bundesliga 2021-22 standings. The 33-year-old Polish striker has been in scintillating form this season, netting nine goals in UCL and he’s also bagged 16 strikes in the Bundesliga so far. Lewandowski is likely to add to his incredible goal scoring tally against a shaky Barcelona defence on Thursday.
Top tip: Best midfielder
If FC Barcelona are to bag maximum points from the Bayern encounter, Sergio Busquets will play an important role for Barcelona in the midfield. The veteran midfielder has been the backbone of the Catalan side for more than a decade now. Having been appointed the new captain, Busquets has flourished under new manager Xavi and been the standout player for Barcelona this season. He will need to take control of the midfield against a formidable Bayern side.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has tormented the Barcelona defence in their last few meetings. Along with his rapid pace, dribbling and creativity, Davies has a knack of providing quality crosses from the left side. The 21-year-old will have the upper hand against the likes of Sergino Dest and Gerard Pique in the upcoming encounter.
Barcelona custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be under the pump against a quality Bayern forward line. Having conceded 11 goals in his last two matches against Bayern, ter Stegen will need to bring his A-game to keep the Bayern attack at bay on Thursday. Considering the Barcelona goalkeeper will be busier than Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, ter Stegen will have opportunities to accumulate more fantasy points through his saves.
BAY vs BAR probable playing XI
BAY probable XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Benjamin Pavard, Tanguy Nianzou, Niklas Sule, Alphonso Davies; Corentin Tolisso, Leon Goretzka; Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting; Robert Lewandowski
BAR probable XI (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jordi Alba; Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Sergino Dest; Nico Gonzalez, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay, Gavi
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Featured photo: LLUIS GENE / AFP
