Bayern to get 2012 revenge in last 16
Bayern Munich and Chelsea resume their Champions League last 16 tie on Saturday evening, with Hansi Flick’s men taking a 3-0 lead to the Allianz Arena. A ground with happy memories for Blues gaffer Frank Lampard, a Champions League winner beating Bayern in the final at this exact venue in 2012. The Londoners will want to finish the season off strongly after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last time out. The German champions are very fancied to get the win with the bookies, so it is about finding a value play based around that.
Background
The loss of Christian Pulisic due to a hamstring injury sustained in the FA Cup final will be a huge loss for the Blues going forward, against a sharp Bavarians backline. A knock to Benjamin Pavard sees an expected shift of Joshua Kimmich back into right back, possibly replaced by Liverpool transfer target Thiago Alcantara in the centre of midfield.
Flick’s men are unbeaten in 27 outings, winning a staggering 26 in that run. Six of their last seven games in the Champions League has seen over 2.5 goals, with Robert Lewandowski finding the net in the competition to the same statistic. The Polish goal machine has also slammed home 10 goals in his last seven matches. Lethal.
Ones to watch
The Bavarians come into the competition as favourites, they are the team to watch that everyone else will be looking to get one over. One reason for that is they have the best striker in the world in their ranks. Bayern demonstrated just how devastatingly clinical they can be in a group stage 7-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur under Niko Kovac.
Since Hansi Flick has taken the reigns it seems they have been just as ruthless as that encounter. Lewandowski has scored 51 goals in all competitions this season, you cannot afford him an inch of space, the likes of Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller have been wonderful in supplying chances for the 31-year-old. As Chelsea found out in the first leg. Then there is breakout star Alphonso Davies at left back who has been converted from a winger due to the injury to Niklas Sule that saw David Alaba move into the centre of defence. The Canadian has lightning pace and has proved his one versus one defending skills are more than up to the test in the second half of the Bundesliga season.
Chelsea’s defence was the 12th best in the Premier League this season, Bayern can exploit that and play themselves into some form in this one.
Bayern Munich – Chelsea Betting Tip
Bayern Munich to Win + Chelsea to Score Under 1.5 goals with Betway at odds of 3/4 or 1.75.
Bet Bayern Munich to Win + Chelsea to Score Under 1.5 goals on Betway
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Chelsea were outclassed and their defensive deficiencies were exposed, a Robert Lewandowski brace saw the Champions League win 4-1 and 7-1 on aggregate.