The much talked about Champions League fixture is finally here and fans can’t wait to see Liverpool take on Bayern Munich at Anfield later tonight.
The Reds are not in great great shape like they were in the start of the season but nothing should be taken away from the Merseyside club heading into tonight’s game.
Bayern Munich were six points behind Borussia Dortmund in the League table by the end of last year but their form have improved dramatically since the turn of the year. The Bavarians are now three points behind their Bundesliga rival — having lost just once in their last six League games — and they look determined to overtake Dortmund in the race for the Bundesliga title.
As for tonight’s encounter, Niko Kovac’s men are certainly going for an away win to bolster their chances of progressing to the next round after two legs.
To overcome Liverpool’s challenges, Kovac must name a strong starting Line-up at Anfield. Let take a look at Bayern’s team list and probable line-up and see the players available for selection.
Bayern’s Team List
The Bundesliga giants have some injury concerns as Arjen Robben and Corettin Tolisso are ruled out of the game due to injury.
Kovac will also be without Thomas Muller who received a straight red in their previous outing against Ajax last year.
Kingsley Coman is also a doubt for the clash after picking up an ankle injury against Augsburg, though it is believed he is likely to make Kovac’s starting line-up after training with the rest of the squad at Anfield on Monday.
With Muller’s suspension and Arjen Robben’s injury, Real Madrid loanee James Rodriguez and former Arsenal star Serge Gnabry are expected to be named in the first XI by the Croatian manager later tonight.
Thiago Alcantara and Leon Goretzka are likely to start at the middle of the pitch and they would be joined by James Rodriguez in a three-man midfield setup.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who missed last week’s action against Augsburg following a finger injury, has fully recovered and he’s expected to be in goal.
Lewandowski, Alaba, Kimmich, Sule and Hummels are definitely set for a start against the Anfield outfits.
Possible line-up ( 4-3-3)
GOALKEEPER
Manuel Neuer
DEFENCE
David Alaba
Mats Hummels
Niklas Sule
Joshua Kimmich
MIDFIELD
Leon Goretzka
Thiago Alcantara
James Rodriguez
ATTACK
Robert Lewandowski
Serge Gnabry
Kingsley Coman