Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Champions League opener on Wednesday night, Bayern Munich will welcome Chelsea to the Allianz.
Bayern Munich
Starting with the hosts, while many around the Allianz might have been shocked last summer following Vincent Kompany’s arrival, Bayern Munich have enjoyed a sensational run under the former Burnley boss. Reclaiming their Bundesliga crown at a canter last season, the German giants have once again come flying out of the traps. Crowned Super Cup champions on August 16th as they claimed a 2-1 victory against Stuttgart, Bayern have won all of their first five competitive appearances across all competitions. With their dominant start underlined by a famous 6-0 romp against RB Leipzig on August 22nd, it is no surprise that Kompany’s side have gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Notching 19 goals on that five-match winning run so far this season, Munich will be looking to make a heavyweight opening European statement here.
Bayern Munich Team News
Suffering a horrific leg break during Bayern’s Club World Cup adventure over the summer, Kompany’s side will be unable to call upon midfield talisman Jamal Musiala for the foreseeable future. Likewise, Canadian international Alphonso Davies remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
Bagging a brace during Bayern’s 5-0 romp against Hamburger last weekend and already registering nine goals for club and country so far this season, England skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Bayern’s charge. Making an immediate impact after completing a permanent switch from Liverpool over the summer, Luis Diaz will partner Kane in the final third.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, while Chelsea might be unbeaten in all of their first four Premier League appearances, it is fair to sat that Enzo Maresca’s camp have struggled to find much stability. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at local rivals Brentford over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a pulsating 2-2 stalemate, the former Leicester boss will be desperate for his squad to dust themselves down immediately. Crowned Club World Cup champions back on July 13th as they clinched a stunning 3-0 victory against French icons PSG, the Blues will be excited by their clinical performances in the final third. Making a major statement on August 22nd as they stormed their way to a stellar 5-1 romp against West Ham, Chelsea have also notched at least a pair of goals in 10 of their last 12 matchups across all fronts.
Chelsea Team News
Coming off the bench and notching a first Premier League goal of the season away at Brentford on Saturday night, England international Cole Palmer could be handed a full recall. However, while Liam Delay might have avoided surgery on a hamstring injury, the former Ipswich striker will not feature in Munich.
Making an immediate impact since completing a summer switch from Brighton and registering five direct goal contributions in his first four Premier League appearances, Joao Pedro will lead the line. Returning to England’s squad this month, skipper Reece James should return at right-back.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
When Bayern Munich and Chelsea met back in Champions League action back in August 2020, Wednesday’s hosts picked up an empathic 7-1 aggregate win.
The German giants have remarkably registered 19 goals in their first five competitive appearances across all competitions.
England skipper Harry Kane has already registered nine goals for club and country so far this season.
Continuing on from last season, Chelsea have recorded at least a pair of goals in 10 of their previous 12 matchups across all formats.
All of the seven historic meetings between Bayern Munich and Chelsea have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Landing a sensational 7-1 aggregate victory when they last met Chelsea on the European stage back in August 2020, Bayern Munich will be looking to collect a heavyweight Champions League scalp here. Two camps who have continued to impress with their clinical performances in the final third, neutrals will be hoping for a thriller from the Allianz on Wednesday night. With Kompany’s men remarkably bagging 19 goals in just their first five appearances across all competitions, chances could come thick and fast in midweek. Likewise, with each of the seven historic meetings between Bayern Munich and Chelsea finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
