When Bayern Munich takes on Benfica in midweek, it might be their most tough encounter in Group E. The Portuguese giants poss
When Bayern Munich takes on Benfica in midweek, it might be their most tough encounter in Group E. The Portuguese giants poss
Benfica Lisbon vs Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League. Group H. Round 3
Date: October 21, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM (IST)
Venue: The Estádio da Luz, Portugal
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Jorge Jesus has had a lot of success with his three-man defence, which has given him greater stability in the back and more possession security. Lucas Verissimo, Nicolas Otamendi, and Jan Vertonghen, the defence trio, have the expertise to implement a hyper defensive approach while also providing tactical adaptability.
Andre Almeida and Alejandro Grimaldo, the wing-back combo, are expected to assist them, but the latter is likely to be handed a more aggressive position in the team. The Spaniard’s ability to surge forward may prove advantageous, particularly on the counter, as Benfica seeks to exploit Bayern’s weak backline. Meanwhile, Julian Weigl’s ability to cycle possession and his propensity to hustle and harass opposition ball-carriers might be crucial in midfield. On the other side, his midfield partner, Joao Mario, will be tasked with supplying the creative element in the final third. The Portuguese international may be particularly dangerous from set-pieces, as well as finding Darwin Nunez and Roman Yaremchuk on the break, while right-winger Rafa Silva should also play as a runner, seeking to take advantage of the space on the left side.
Vlachodimos; Vertonghen,Otamendi, Verissimo; Weigl, Almeida, Grimaldo, Mario; Silva, Yaremchuk, Nunez
Bayern Munich will enter the game with a virtually full-strength team, which is always a risk, especially under Julian Nagelsmann’s guidance. Alphonso Davies, on the other hand, has been ruled out owing to tiredness, which means Omar Richards might be handed a rare chance at left-back. Along with DayotUpamecano, Lucas Hernandez, and Benjamin Pavard, who will replace NiklasSule at right-back, the former Birmingham City full-back is expected to form a four-man backline.
Bayern is also without Leon Goretzka, who is a vital player. Due to a cold, the former Schalke prospect did not travel with the group this week. In his absence, Marcel Sabitzer, a recent signing, will receive a rare chance to start with Joshua Kimmich in the centre of the park.It’ll be fascinating to watch how these two work together, with Sabitzer presumably getting the more offensive position. The Austrian international may be beneficial in supplying forward passes for Robert Lewandowski, as well as allowing Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry to operate in open areas behind the Benficadefence.Thomas Muller should also continue to play an important role, trying to generate opportunities and score goals while playing close behind Lewandowski.
Neuer;Richards, Upamecano, Pavard, Hernandez; Sabitzer, Kimmich; Muller, Sane,Gnabry; Lewandowski
When Bayern Munich takes on Benfica in midweek, it might be their most tough encounter in Group E. The Portuguese giants possess the attitude, aggressiveness, and persistence, as well as home advantage, to pull off yet another Champions League upset. The Bavarians, on the other hand, are never complacent, and after a thrashing 5-1 win against Leverkusen, they remain the clear favourites to win this match, with Sane and Lewandowski poised to feature once more.