The new Champions League format, which officially debuted a year ago, guarantees many more big matches than in the past, starting from the single group stage. It is therefore no surprise that the first matchday sees heavyweights Bayern Munich and Chelsea go head to head, a match-up that also featured in the 2012 final (won by the English club on penalties).
In the Bundesliga, the Bavarians have picked up where they left off: three wins in three games and an impressive 14 goals scored. Vincent Kompany’s team, which is literally unbeatable at the national level, also won the Super Cup and advanced in the German Cup.
It has been a truly amazing start for Kane and his teammates, who this year will first and foremost try to go all the way in Europe’s top competition after being stopped in the quarterfinals by Inter Milan in last season’s edition.
The Premier League, on the other hand, is much more competitive: Chelsea are still unbeaten (two wins and two draws) but are currently only fifth, four points behind leaders Liverpool (the only team with a perfect record). The Londoners have played four derbies so far: wins against West Ham and Fulham and draws with Crystal Palace and Brentford. Now comes the Champions League test: the Blues have everything they need to make a good impression after a couple of seasons without the big-eared cup, thanks in particular to their recent triumphs in the Conference League and the Club World Cup, the latter won after a surprising run that ended with a resounding victory in the final against European champions PSG. Blues coach Enzo Maresca is without Colwill, Delap, and Essugo, but Lavia and Badiashile are also doubtful. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are still without starlet Musiala.
Odds comparison
Bayern Munich’s victory is quoted at 1.67 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.65 on Snai. The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.48 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.47 on Snai.
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The prediction
Bayern Munich are favorites after a sparkling start at home: despite Musiala’s absence, the Bavarians are enjoying themselves, scoring loads of goals and dominating any opponent that comes their way. Chelsea will probably not be able to avoid defeat, but Maresca has plenty of weapons at his disposal (Palmer, Joao Pedro) to strike at the Germans’ defense, which is far from impenetrable: it promises to be a spectacular match, with at least three goals in total and one for each side.
Probable lineups for Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Gnabry, Luis Díaz; Kane.
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo Fernández, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Gittens; João Pedro.
Will Chelsea manage to avoid defeat?
No (67%, 65 Votes)
Yes (33%, 32 Votes)
Total Voters: 97
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-2