It’s Valentine’s day on Tuesday so it could only mean one thing. The Champions League is back!
German champions Bayern Munich travel to French champions PSG for their first leg Last 16 match. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have had a bumpy start to 2023 but look like they’re back to their usual selves. This, however, will be a massive test and give us an indication of just how good this Bayern Munich side actually are.
It’s been an interesting few weeks domestically speaking for Bayern Munich. After four consecutive 1-1 draws in the Bundesliga, many were questioning Nagelsmann’s credibility and his side’s accountability. In particular, the German internationals who had just come off the back of a disastrous World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Last weekend, Bayern cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to strugglers VfL Bochum. Expect a similar line-up on Tuesday evening with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Müller leading the forward line. Likewise, Musiala may play more central with Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané out wide. Prior to that Bayern also beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-2. Bayern somehow managed to score four goals when their expected goals ratio for the game was just 0.68 to Wolfsburg’s 2.71. There is clearly still room for improvement in this Bayern side but if you can win whilst not being at your best, that’s a good sign.
For PSG, it’s been a week to forget. After getting knocked out of the French Cup by Marseille, PSG followed that up with a 3-1 loss in the league to Monaco.
One massive question that still hangs over the game is Kylian Mbappé’s involvement. On Monday, the French international was named in the team squad despite a supposed injury. If Mbappé is somewhat fit it’s worth having him on the bench to bring on if he can’t start. All eyes will be on the team sheet when they’re released an hour before kick-off.
Remarkably, PSG are yet to lift the Champions League. Should they get past Bayern, they’ll be one of the favourites to win the competition. Expect a tense but high-tempo affair in Paris on Tuesday night.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
