Bayern Munich have one foot in the last 16 of the Champions League after a first leg win over Celtic in Glasgow.
By Graham Ruthven
A Bayern formality?
Celtic put up a fight, but Bayern Munich were simply too strong for the Scottish champions in the first leg of their Champions League last 24 tie. Indeed, a 2-1 win saw the Bavarians take a big step towards the next round.
Harry Kane and Michael Olise both found the back of the net for Bayern at Celtic Park last week before Daizen Maeda pulled one back for the hosts. The German giants can hurt opponents in so many different ways such is their attacking talent.
Brendan Rodgers set up his Celtic team to be compact at the back and hit out on the counter-attack. However, it was only once the Hoops pushed higher up the pitch that they were able to cause Bayern Munich problems.
The risk of doing this at the Allianz Arena, though, is that Bayern have the technical ability to pick off Celtic by playing through their press. Rodgers will have to strike a delicate balance with his approach for Celtic to stand any chance of a positive result.
Key players
Olise was outstanding in the first leg at Celtic Park, firing a finish high into the roof of the net after cutting inside off the left side. The French international has scored five times in the Champions League this season and could add to his tally on Wednesday night.
Kane, of course, is one of the most prolific goalscorers of his generation and will lead the line for Bayern Munich. Jamal Musiala will also be a significant three across the attacking line, finding space wherever it opens up.
Joshua Kimmich will be the main pace-setter in the centre of the pitch. Vincent Kompany wants his Bayern Munich to control possession. Celtic will have to stay patient as they chase the ball.
Maeda caused Bayern Munich problems in the first leg, converting from close range with an opportunistic header to pull Celtic back into the tie. The Japanese forward is a pressing machine and gives the Hoops an outlet with his pace.
Adam Idah will lead the line for Celtic with Rodgers expected to favour a midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. They will have a difficult time against a possession-hungry Bayern Munich outfit.
At the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kasper Schmeichel will have to find their best form to stop the Bayern attack from inflicting any further damage.
Team news
Alphonso Davies is still carrying a knock and so Raphaël Guerreiro is expected to keep his starting spot at left back for the match against Celtic. Meanwhile, Kane missed training on Tuesday, suggesting he is currently carrying something
Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest are still sidelined for Celtic through injury. Otherwise, Rodgers has a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the visit to the Allianz Arena.
Prediction
On home ground, and after drawing a blank over the weekend, the usually high-scoring Bayern should get back to winning ways: Bayern Munich 3-0 Celtic.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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