Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Preview
Tomorrow, the Glorious European Nights return to Anifield, as Liverpool welcome Bayern Munich. Bayern come in held in slightly less regard than previous years across Europe, but are a dangerous opponent nonetheless. The Reds will need the crowd to be once again in full chorus and cheer the lads on to victory. While a clean sheet is not a must have result, it would be a welcome relief to go to the Allianz needing only a goal or two to push us on to the Quarters and beyond! It is looking like it could be a damp night with temps in the mid 40s with a 70% chance of rain.
Injury News
Not too much to talk about here for Liverpool except that Dejan Lovern’s status is still up in the air. A hamstring is a tough injury to come back from, and against Lewandowski, also a very tough ask. He went through a clearing session today, but is still very questionable. Complicated things further, is that Virgil is suspended for the first leg, which leaves Matip as the lone healthy option at CB. Gomez still recovering from his surgery, and Ox slowly making his way back rounds out this list.
For Bayern, the list is a little bit more expansive. Thomas Mueller is suspended due to going “Daniel San” in the final group match against Ajax. Arjen Robben is out due to a thigh injury, and Jerome Boateng has the stomach flu. Kingsley Coman(ankle) and Leon Goretzka(ankle) are both doubtful.
How They Got Here
Liverpool (3-0-3 9pts) got in on the last group stage day by defeating Napoli 1-0 at Anfield, and finishing second in the group. Their results from the group are as follows: W(3-2 PSG). L(0-1 Nap). W(4-0 Red Star). L(0-2 Red Star). L(1-2 PSG). W(1-0 Nap).
Bayern Munich (4-2-0 14pts) had a simpler time finishing first in their group. Their results from the group are as follows: W(2-0 Ben). D(1-1 Ajax). W(2-0 AEK). W(2-0 AEK). W(5-1 Ben). D(3-3 Ajax).
Lineup and score Prediction
I look for the Reds come out in their standard 4-3-3 formation. Alisson in goal. Robbo and Trent as the two fullbacks. The CBs are going to be Matip, and I would assume Fabinho, although its a tough loss in the midfield. I think we revert to the middle three that got us to the UCL final last year with Milly, Hendo and Gini. I don’t necessarily agree with this though, as I think we need to be more creative and inventive in the midfield. Tell as old as time upfront, Mo, Bobby, and Sadio.
It sounds crazy, and I would love feedback on this, but I have an out there idea. Line up 3-4-3. Have the back three be Robbo, Matip, and Trent. My middle four would be Hendo and Keita out wide and Gini and Fabinho in the middle and of course the front three stay the same. That would provide the best of both worlds in the midfield. Keita could be given free roam to make things happen, with the cover necessary not to get called out. I’m well aware this is a long shot, but with a week without matches, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Klopp insert a wrinkle or two.
Score 2-0 Reds and Mo takes home MOTM. Its an exciting time to be a Red and it just is going to ramp up! And it starts tomorrow. UP THE REDS!!!
Y.N.W.A.
-Hooch-