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Bayern Munich take on PSG in the Champions League fixture at the Allianz Arena this week. Having qualified for the knockouts already, both teams have a chance of winning Group B outright on the Matchday 6. It was the 3-0 defeat to PSG at the Parc des Princes, that signalled the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s time in charge at Bayern.
However, normal service resumed under Jupp Heynckes who returned as caretaker coach. Bayern must beat PSG by a four-goal margin to win Group B. The Bavarians have won their last two home games against the Paris outfit with an aggregate score of 7-1.
Having suffered a defeat in their last encounter against PSG, Bayern will come hard against them at home this week. With the rejuvenated German side taking on a powerful PSG, this tie promises to be an exciting tie for the fans before the tournament enters its knockout stages. So expect some fireworks on the pitch when these two sides meet each other.
Here is how the two sides could line up:
Bayern Munich
The Munich side won their opening nine games with the veteran Heynckes at the helm and responded to defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach on Matchday 13 with a 3-1 win over Hannover on Saturday.
Injuries to Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Thiago Alcantara mean the Bundesliga Champions look depleted, but the return of Thomas Muller against Hannover was a major boost, as has been the recent form of Kingsley Coman, who scored one and created another. Expect him to start against his former club.
Robert Lewandowski has scored 19 goals in all competitions for Bayern this season, including two in the Champions League. Playing at home will be a big advantage for Bayern, but against a side like PSG is no easy. They have to be at their very best in order to win Group B.
Bayern probable XI (4-2-3-1): Ulreich, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Alaba, Martinez, Vidal, Coman, James, Muller, Lewandowski
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are in red-hot form in this season’s Champions League. They have won all their five group games and have a scored a whopping 24 goals. However, they come into this game having suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-1 at Strasbourg, although Unai Emery’s side remain nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
Neymar has scored 15 goals in 17 games in all competitions since he joined PSG from Barcelona. Only Thiago Motta is missing for the visitors, for whom the trio of Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar will likely lead the line. Former Schalke favourite Julian Draxler is a candidate to start in the midfield for the Parisians.
PSG probable XI (4-3-3): Areola, Alves, Marquinhos, Silva, Kurzawa, Verratti, Rabiot, Draxler, Mbappe, Neymar, Cavani
Prediction
Bayern are undefeated at home since Heynckes returned as coach. PSG are also unbeaten in the Champions League so far. However, winning by a four-goal margin against this PSG side is no easy task. A mere win is not enough for Bayern, so they will go all guns blazing against PSG at the Allianz.
Bayern 2-2 PSG
