Big Game Focus: Liverpool v Bayern Munich

Liverpool will want to go one better than they managed last year in the Champions League, but first they will have to make it past Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Bet on the match here

The Reds were unlucky last year after succumbing to the experience of Real Madrid in the Champions League final. However, their blistering attacking play saw them smash goal scoring records left, right and centre. This season will be different seeing that they are gunning for trophies domestically and in Europe, and therefore they will need to manage how they play here.

Bayern Munich on the other hand are not having the greatest season in their history as they are lagging behind Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table. Most of their struggles can be attributed to the early season poor form but since then they have won ten of their last 15 competitive games.

This will be a big test for both sides and it will be interesting to see how they both respond here.

Betting preview

Liverpool will look to their incredible home form this season for inspiration. The Reds have only lost once at home all season in all competitions and that was back in September making odds of 2.15 for a Home Win looks attractive.

Bayern have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven matches in the Champions League whilst Liverpool have seen Over 2.5 Goals in four of their last five Champions League outings at Anfield. You can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.55.

Both Teams to Score has landed in Bayern’s last five outings and with Liverpool’s attacking threat you can expect this to happen. Odds of 1.45 for Both Teams to Score promises real value here.

Team news

Virgil van Dijk is suspended for the first leg whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold has fully recovered and could start for Liverpool. Xherdan Shaqiri is an injury doubt though he is likely to start on the bench against his former club. Roberto Firmino missed training on Monday and is suffering from a virus but could be fit for the match.

Kinglsey Coman is fit for selection following an injury scare on Friday but the club have confirmed his availability. Niklas Sule is also set to start as Jerome Boateng has not been included in the match day squad. Thomas Muller is suspended for the away side whereas Corentin Tolisso and Arjen Robben are ruled out for this tie.

Possible line ups

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander- Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Rafinha, Sule, Hummels, Alaba, Kimmich, Alcantara, Goretzka, Gnabry, Lewandowski, Coman.