Bayern Munich take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Bayern have lost two of their four group-stage matches, while PSG are underperforming with just four points from four games.
Bayern Form
Bayern suffered a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Barcelona on matchday three. However, they’ve since bounced back with six consecutive wins. Their recent victories include a 5-0 demolition of Bochum, a 4-0 win over Mainz in the DFB Pokal, and a 3-0 triumph over Union Berlin.
In their last Champions League outing, they edged past Benfica 1-0 on matchday four, dominating with 24 shots to their opponent’s one. Before the international break, Bayern secured a 1-0 win at St. Pauli and followed that up with a 3-0 victory last Friday, where Harry Kane netted a hat-trick.
Bayern Team News
Coach Vincent Kompany will be without João Palhinha in midfield due to injury. Right-back Josip Stanišić and center-back Hiroki Ito are also sidelined. Aleksandar Pavlović might not be fit in time for this match. Matthys Tel has returned to training, and young right-back Sacha Boey is back in contention. Raphaël Guerreiro is expected to continue playing as a makeshift right-back.
Bayern Motivation
Bayern are fully focused on this match as they aim to move closer to the top eight in the Champions League league stage table. Expect Kompany’s team to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Although they face Dortmund on Saturday, all their attention will be on securing a win in this crucial European clash.
PSG Form
PSG have been inconsistent, with just four points from their four group-stage matches, leaving them 25th in the league-stage table. Following a 2-0 loss at Arsenal, they drew 1-1 with Nice in Ligue 1. After a 4-2 win over Strasbourg, they could only manage a 1-1 home draw with PSV despite creating 2.57 xG and taking 26 shots.
They restored some confidence with two Ligue 1 victories: a 3-0 win at Marseille and a 1-0 home victory over Lens. However, they suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid despite dominating with 71% possession and a 22-4 shot advantage. They rebounded with wins over Angers (4-2) and Toulouse (3-0).
PSG Team News
Coach Luis Enrique heavily rotated his side for the previous match, but Vitinha, Kang-in Lee, and Fabián Ruiz are set to return to the starting XI. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marquinhos will also be back. Lucas Hernandez and Presnel Kimpembe remain sidelined in defense, while Gonçalo Ramos is still unavailable up front. Left-back Nuno Mendes is doubtful and will undergo a late fitness test.
PSG Motivation
PSG cannot afford another loss, as their hopes of advancing to the next stage are already under threat. They still face Manchester City in their remaining fixtures, adding to the pressure.
While a draw would be acceptable, PSG are not built to absorb pressure and will likely try to impose their style of play on Bayern.
Key Stats
Bayern’s Harry Kane has scored 18 goals in his last 14 matches.
Bayern Munich have won 13 of their 17 matches this season, scoring 54 goals.
PSG have lost 5 of their last 6 matches against Bayern Munich.
PSG have lost 5 of their last 8 away matches in the Champions League.
Verdict
Bayern Munich are the form team heading into this fixture and should secure the win. Harry Kane’s scoring form, combined with Bayern’s attacking dominance, makes him an excellent bet to find the net.
Best Bet: Bayern Munich win at 1.58
Alternate Bet: Bayern Munich win and Kane to score anytime at 2.56
Goalscorer Tip: Harry Kane to score 2 or more goals at 4.55