It’s England vs. Germany all over again as the English champions Manchester City take on the reigning German kings Bayern Munich this coming Wednesday. Both teams are eager to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exits last season and a win for either side on opening night will go a long way in shaping their European campaigns this year.
Can Pep Guardiola bring back the old magic and lead Bayern to victory? Or will Manchester City spoil the German party? Read on for a complete preview of this game and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the huge La Liga match between rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
[sc:Soccer ]Bayern Munich vs. Manchester City Betting Preview and Prediction
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2:45 PM ET
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Line: Manchester City +415 at Bayern Munich -210, tie +315; total 3.0 – view all Champions League lines
Betting on Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s European title defense ended in disappointment last season as they were comprehensively beaten by Real Madrid in the semifinal stage. The German giants were thoroughly outplayed by the eventual champions, losing 5-0 on aggregate as they failed to replicate the success of their 2013 title-winning side.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]With that being said, the pressure is definitely on for manager Pep Guardiola to bring the Champions League trophy back to Munich. For spoiled Bayern fans, winning the Bundesliga title is simply not enough. With their lineup, nothing short of a European championship will do.
Their opening Champions League game will have a familiar feel to it as they will once again square off with Manchester City. This is the third time in four years these two European giants have been grouped with each other and slowly but surely a rivalry is being formed between the two sides.
Bayern Munich are 2-2 in their last four meetings with Manchester City. Last season, they split their two assignments with both sides recording away victories.
This will be a different Bayern side compared to last year, though, with the departures of German World Cup star Toni Kroos and Mario Mandzukic this summer. A trio of new signings will appease Bayern fans, however, as they nabbed central midfielder Xabi Alonso, center-back Mehdi Benatia and forward Robert Lewandowski to add to their already-stacked lineup.
The signing of Alonso in particular is a huge coup for the Bavarian side as he plugs the hole in central midfield caused by the departure of Kroos. He had a solid debut last August 30 against FC Schalke but Bayern were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Alonso will provide the backbone for a Bayern team reeling with injuries at the start of the season. Javi Martinez, who was supposed to be the central figure in Bayern’s new-look defense is out for the season with an ACL injury. Rafinha is also out with damaged ankle ligaments. Alonso’s experience will prove vital as he will provide Guardiola the needed stability that Bayern at the moment is clearly lacking.
Betting on Manchester City
The upcoming European season is a very important one for manager Manuel Pelligrini and his Manchester City team. If they are to be considered one of the top soccer sides in the world, progression to the latter stages of the Champions League knockout rounds is a must and this year he is confident that they have the tools to achieve that goal.
“This year, with more experience, I am absolutely sure we are going to continue,” Pellegrini said in an interview after the draw was made.
There’s no reason to doubt the Chilean’s statements especially with the way they have dominated the English Premier League the past three seasons. Last year, they reached the round of 16 of the Champions League for the first time in their history but were thwarted by Barcelona 4-1 on aggregate.
Even though they will start their Champions League campaign this year against the 2013 European champions Bayern Munich and on the road, the Citizens will be confident they can get a result there especially with the way they performed there last season.
In their final group game last season, Manchester City came back from two goals down to stun Bayern 3-2 at the Allianz Arena to end Munich’s 10-game Champions League winning streak. Goals from David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner gave the visitors the shock victory as they finished the group stages tied with Bayern at 15 points.
It is widely expected that the same thing will happen again this season with both teams expected to slug it out in Group E where they are joined by AS Roma and CSKA Moscow. Manchester City is +230 to win their Champions League Group E over Bayern.
Manchester City are coming off a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City in the Premier League but still have started solidly this season with six points to their names through three games. Stevan Jovetic and Sergio Aguero have scored two goals apiece so far to lead the Citizens in scoring and it is paramount that the two, and particularly Aguero, will bring that form to the European stage.
The first test will come at the Allianz Arena this coming Wednesday. Manchester City are 1-1 in two meetings with Bayern Munich at the said venue.
Writer’s Prediction
Bayern Munich open their campaign with a tight one-goal victory. Create a betting account now to cash in on the UEFA Champions League games.
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