UEFA Champions League 2018-19, Liverpool vs Bayern Munich: 3 factors that could determine the result
Liverpool face Bayern Munich in a UEFA Champions League match tomorrow night in Liverpool. The hosts have qualified from a tough group comprising of the likes of Napoli and PSG. Liverpool also lead the Premier League table at the moment.
On the other hand, Bayern have seen a turnaround in their fortunes in the last few months, and now trail league leaders Borussia Dortmund by just two points in Bundesliga. Bayern topped their group in the Champions League to qualify along with Ajax Amsterdam.
The visitors would like to score at least one goal tomorrow, as an away goal could prove to be vital in determining the fate of the tie.
Both these two have won the UEFA Champions League five times, and are among the elite clubs of the world. Liverpool’s German coach Juergen Klopp would have a chance of locking horns against the biggest club of his homeland. On the other hand, Bayern’s manager Niko Kovac would try to enhance his reputation by beating a mighty side like Liverpool.
Here, we take a look at the 3 factors which might prove to be crucial in tomorrow’s match:
1. Bayern would try to exploit Liverpool’s depleted central defence
Liverpool are going to miss several key players in tomorrow’s match. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will not be available, and Dejan Lovren is already sidelined with injury. Therefore, Liverpool would have to field a makeshift centre-back pairing of Fabinho and Joel Matip.
Bayern would try to exploit this obvious weakness, and score a goal or two to create pressure on Liverpool for the return leg in Munich. Robert Lewandowski has scored 25 goals for Bayern this season, and would definitely try to use his aerial prowess against the makeshift centre-back pairing.
The younger players like Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka would also play a very crucial role for Bayern, as the onus would be on them to exploit the space behind the Liverpool full-backs. Gnabry is especially good at cutting into the penalty box from the flanks, and should remain a concern for Liverpool with his ball-skills.
James Rodriguez would also be pivotal in Bayern’s attack, as he would try to attack through the centre and also create shooting space around the edge of the penalty box.