Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: Preview and Prediction

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Barcelona are set to host Bayern Munich in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash on Matchday 3. Under new head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona have made an impressive start to their domestic season, but this will be their toughest European test yet. Bayern Munich have a dominant record against Barcelona in European competitions, making this a highly anticipated encounter.

While Barcelona lead La Liga, their Champions League campaign has been inconsistent, with a loss to AS Monaco followed by a win over BSC Young Boys. They are coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Sevilla but will face a much tougher opponent in Bayern, a team that has had their number in recent years. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, under Vincent Kompany, have been strong in the Bundesliga and opened their Champions League campaign with a 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb but suffered a shock loss to Aston Villa on Matchday 2. Both sides will be eager to secure a win and take control of their European group.

Team News & Tactics

Barcelona

Barcelona have a few injury concerns, with Ferran Torres, Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen unavailable. However, Frenkie de Jong is expected to return, which is a huge boost. Dani Olmo and Gavi are also fit and available for selection.

Hansi Flick is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with Inaki Pena in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will likely start as full-backs, while Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi form the central defensive duo. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will look to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, with Dani Olmo playing as the creative link between midfield and attack. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will take up the flanks, supporting Robert Lewandowski, who will lead the line against his former club.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pena; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are missing Aleksandar Pavlovic, Josip Stanisic, Sacha Boey, and possibly Jamal Musiala, who is dealing with a hip injury. Vincent Kompany is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Manuel Neuer in goal. The defense will feature Konrad Laimer on the right, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae at center-back, and Alphonso Davies on the left. Joshua Kimmich and Joao Palhinha will form the central midfield pairing, with Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise on the wings. Thomas Muller will play in his usual advanced role behind striker Harry Kane.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Gnabry, Muller, Olise; Kane

Key Stats

Bayern Munich have won 10 of their 13 UEFA Champions League matches against Barcelona.
Bayern have won each of their last six meetings with Barcelona, with the Spanish side last winning in May 2015.
In 13 meetings, Barcelona have scored 13 goals and conceded 33 against Bayern Munich.
Barcelona have lost their last three home games against Bayern, with two consecutive 3-0 defeats and a famous 8-2 thrashing.
Thomas Muller has been directly involved in 10 goals in nine UEFA Champions League games against Barcelona (8 goals, 2 assists).

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Thomas Muller
The experienced German remains crucial for Bayern Munich despite being in the latter stages of his career. In nine appearances this season, Muller has contributed three goals and three assists. With Jamal Musiala possibly out, Muller will take center stage, looking to extend his remarkable record against Barcelona. Muller has been a nightmare for the Catalans in the past, and his form in this game could be decisive.