Liverpool F.C. vs F.C. Bayern Munich – Match Preview
Liverpool host Bayern Munich tonight for their Champions League Round of 16 game at Anfield. This game will be seen by many as a pivotal moment in Red’s season, whilst others will be happy to see them leave the competition to focus on the Premier League.
Overview
Liverpool have faced tonight’s visitors a mere seven times since records began. The last was a victory for the Reds in the 2004 UEFA Super Cup competition. Goals from John Arne Rose, Emile Heaney and Michael Owen saw Gérard Houllier’s team take the cup despite second-half goals from Hasan Salihamidzic and Carsten Jancker.
How times have changed since those days. Bayern have gone on to become the principal force in German football winning 11 Bundesliga titles since then, compared to zero for Liverpool in the English equivalent. This will be a stern test for Jürgen Klopp and his men if they have ambitions of reaching this years’ final.
Liverpool will show Bayern Munich the right about of respect. But not too much, say Jurgen #LFC #LIVBAYhttps://t.co/hbRqHjfcZN
— Annie Road Online (@AnnieRoadOnline) February 18, 2019
Team News
Liverpool will be without Virgil van Dijk who many would see as a major blow for the Reds. Joel Matip is the only available replacement for the big Dutchman, whilst Joe Gomez remains sidelined and Dejan Lovren will be subject to a late fitness test.
In the worst case, Klopp will have to call on Fabinho to complete the hosts’ backline. Xherdan Shaqiri and Gini Wijnaldum should both be available after recent illnesses.
“He’s the one player we can’t be without.”
Souness on #LIVBAY without @VirgilvDijk – #OTBNCH is live with @VMSportIE #VMSporthttps://t.co/ND0hA8vA8V
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 18, 2019
Bayern will be assessing the likes of Jerome Boateng, Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben Agra’s of kick-off. Niko Kovac will be hoping his side can get a positive result as the Bavarian side currently trail Borussia Dortmund by two points. A win will be a huge boost for them.
Summary
Personally, I don’t see this as a must-win for Liverpool. Yes, it would be nice to see them progress, but at the same time, the League “is our bread and butter” as a great man once said.
Given the fact that Manchester City now top the league and seem to have regained their form, the Reds need all the help they can. What better than just having one focus between now and the end of the season.
As usual, I don’t do predictions but if I did, I’d say 0-1 to Bayern on the night. For no other reason that I want Liverpool to do what’s best and know which side their bread is buttered on. To coin a scours phrase.
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