Setien to be exposed in CL quarters
Barcelona and Bayern Munich go head-to-head in the Champions League quarterfinals on Friday night, with the Catalan Giants coming into this one as the underdogs for a change. There is a certain feel of the 2012/13 semifinals when Bayern Munich really asserted their authority and battered FCB 7-0 over two legs, they will not have as many bites at the cherry as that time but are big favourites based on recent form. Barca’s 3-1 win over Napoli last time out papered over the cracks and they will be exposed by Robert Lewandowski and co.
Ones to watch
Demonstrating the strength of the squad at Hansi Flick’s disposal Ivan Perisic popped up with the second goal against Chelsea, the Croatian has been a bit part player this term but has the ability to contribute massively in the Champions League should he be given a run. The 31-year-old joined the ranks of the German champions this season for a loan fee of just short of £5million pounds having been deemed surplus to requirements by Antonio Conte at Inter Milan. Seven goals and 10 assists are an excellent showing for a player who has regularly been used as an impact sub.
His strong display on the right side of the trio behind Lewandowski reminded all on the world stage just the quality he possesses. The former World Cup finalist capped a sparkling three campaigns with Inter prior to making the switch to the Bundesliga. He scored 40 goals and added 35 assists at the San Siro, a particularly good return given Internazionale were not involved in a title race in any of those seasons.
Another case that speaks volumes to the work of Hansi Flick is that of Thomas Muller. The vastly experienced World Cup winner was almost exiled by Niko Kovac and has been brought back in to produce the best form he has shown creatively in his career, breaking the record for the most assists in a single season, setting the bar at 21. Cut him open and he bleeds Bayern the 30-year-old has scored 197 goals and contributed 192 assists in 532 competitive outings for the club, legend. With a lot of attention going towards dealing with the threats of Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman this term, Muller has proved he is still one of their most effective attacking players.
Lionel Messi really does provide the only hope for Quique Setien’s men in what is likely to be the gaffer’s final match at the helm. It will be a different challenge for the Bavarian defence but they should be up to the test. Keep your punt simple, with the difficulties of knockout football, Bayern to win in 90 minutes.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Barcelona defended like San Marino. 8-2 to ruthless Bayern.