Verdict: Bayern Munich to win both halves
Red-hot Bayern Munich play host to Turkish giants Besiktas on the back of an impressive 13-match wins in a row with their eyes set on making an important step towards reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive season.
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians are back to their absolute best under the veteran manager Jupp Heynckes who came back from retirement to help his club in need. A couple of eyebrows had been raised when Bayern Munich decided to turn towards the experienced boss but their decision proved to be spot on given the results Heynckes is recording this season.
Bayern Munich sit top of the league with gapping 19 points in front of Borussia Dortmund, whereas they also cruised into the semifinal of the DFB Pokal thanks to the comprehensive 6-0 win over Padeborn. The Bavarians finished the group stage of the Champions League level on points with Group B winners PSG and will be looking to continue their fine form in the competition. Confidence is high in Bayern Munich camp with Germany’s best flying high on a 13-match winning streak, which is a record for Jupp Heynckes. Home side will have six first-team players returning to the fold after missing the last weekend’s comeback win over Wolfsburg with Heynckes set to recall Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Roberto Lewandowski, David Alaba and Thomas Muller.
Team News
Thiago Alcantara is nearing a return to full fitness after a three-month spell on the sidelines but the Besiktas game is coming too soon for him.
Manuel Neuer continues to miss out due to a leg injury, whereas Kingsley Coman is down with illness.
Besiktas
Heavy investment paid dividends for Turkish gianst Besiktas who have made it into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history. Senol Gunes led his men to a top-group finish ahead of Europe’s respectable rivals such as FC Porto, RB Leizpig and AS Monaco but Turkish heavyweights now face a tall order against one of the continent’s most successful sides.
As the first Turkish club ever to win their Champions League group, Besiktas will have to play above their abilities in order to eliminate in-form Bayern Munich. It will be easier said that done knowing that Besiktas have struggled defensively this season despite having a Champions league winner Pepe at the heart of their backline. The Turkish side kept only three clean sheets in their 18 away games in all competitions this season, which includes the 1-1 draw away at Konyaspor last time out which left Besiktas locked in fourth place of the Super Lig standings.
Team News
Senol Gunes will have Ricardo Quaresma back in contention after the winger was left out of the weekend’s draw at Konyaspor.
Adriano is expected to take over from Erkin at left-back whereas Ryan Babel is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.
Key Factors to Consider
Bayern Munich won their last 13 matches under Jupp Heynckes
Bavarians are hoping to reach quarterfinals for the 7th consecutive season
Besiktas reached UCL knockouts for the first time ever
Turkish side failed to keep a clean sheet in last 18 away games
Bayern and Besiktas met twice before – Germans won both games
Conclusion
Bayern Munich are once again a force to be reckoned with and have to be considered firm favourites to beat Besiktas at Allianz Arena. Besiktas have done great to top their Champions League group and make history in the competition but now have a giant fish to fry and could be in for a disappointment in Germany.
Verdict: Bayern Munich to win both halves
Source of picture: predictionbowl.com
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