Team News
Bayern Munich head into their Champions League opener with some key injury concerns. Joshua Kimmich is a doubt due to an inflamed tendon and will be assessed ahead of the match. Manuel Neuer (calf), Raphael Guerreiro (calf), and Tarek Buchmann (hamstring) are all sidelined. On a more positive note, Kingsley Coman is expected to return following a brief spell out with a minor muscle issue. During the recent draw against Bayer Leverkusen, manager Thomas Tuchel experimented by deploying Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in defensive midfield roles following Kimmich’s second-half withdrawal. However, Tuchel is likely to field Kimmich, if fit, or Konrad Laimer alongside Leon Goretzka in central midfield for this crucial encounter.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are facing a growing injury list. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are out with unspecified injuries, joining Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia (both muscle), Tom Heaton (calf), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the treatment table. Wan-Bissaka’s absence is expected to see Diogo Dalot start at right-back.
There is some good news for Erik ten Hag, as Raphael Varane and Mason Mount have returned to first-team training and could feature. However, the match may come too soon for Sofyan Amrabat (back) and Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), both of whom have only recently begun individual training sessions. The Red Devils will also be without Antony, who remains unavailable amid allegations of assault, and Jadon Sancho, who has been excluded from first-team activities following his public dispute with Ten Hag.
Form Guide
Manchester United’s disappointing start to the season continued last weekend as they suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Former Red Devil Danny Welbeck opened the scoring, while second-half goals from Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro capped off a dominant performance from Brighton. United’s only consolation came from Hannibal Mejbri’s late strike.
The defeat marked United’s third loss in five Premier League matches, their worst start to a season in the competition’s history. With Erik ten Hag’s side languishing in 13th place and already nine points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, the pressure is mounting on the Dutchman. Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag has urged his squad to “stick to the plan” as they look to halt their slide. The Red Devils have won just one of their last eight meetings with the German giants in Europe’s premier competition, making this a challenging test as they seek to revive their faltering form.
Predicted Outcome
While Bayern Munich stuttered to a draw last weekend, Manchester United’s current struggles make them unlikely candidates for an upset in this fixture. With Harry Kane leading a potent Bayern attack, the Bavarians are well-equipped to exploit United’s defensive frailties and should secure a convincing win in their opening Group A clash. We predict Bayern Munich will get a 2-1 win against the Red Devils.