UEFA Champions League February 19 -20
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Bayern Munich:
Neuer; Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Gnabry, James, Coman; Lewandowski
Liverpool had lot of problems during the group phase of the Champions League. The Reds have suffered three defeats in six matches, but the last round narrow victory over Napoli was enough to secure the second place in Group C, while the Italians finished third and now play in Europe League. Paris Saint-Germain ended on the first position, while fourth-placed Red Star Belgrade were eliminated. I believe the fans are satisfied and most of them are expecting a copy of the last season's success. Nevertheless, it wont be easy and manager Jurgen Klopp is well aware of that. Beating the most successful German club isn't a 'mission impossible' for Klopp, he had many positive results coaching Borussia Dortmund in the past. But right now he has enormous defensive issues ahead of the first-leg match. Three of his four central defenders are unavailable due to injury and suspension. Dejan Lovren is out due to a hamstring injury, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a broken leg. To make matters worse for Klopp, the key defender Virgil van Dijk is suspended after picking up three yellow cards in the group. That means Fabinho and Joel Matip will start in the heart of defense. I doubt they are able to stop Lewandowski.
Bayern Munich were dominant in their group and finished unbeaten with four victories and two draws. The Bavarians are not that successful in domestic Bundesliga where sit on the second place, behind the leaders Borussia Dortmund. Coach Niko Kovac is under big pressure, however the actual form is good. Bayern managed to win the last two matches in league. First they beat Schalke with 3:1 and then won 3:2 against Augsburg. Kingsley Coman has scored twice on the last match, however he was forced to left the match. Coman suffered an apparent recurrence of a left ankle injury deep into referee time, which forced him to hobble from the pitch. The Frenchman has already undergone two operations on the ankle, the first of which ruled him out of last year’s World Cup in Russia and the second after a recurrence on the opening day of the current season. Nevertheless, Coman completed an individual running session on Sunday, under the supervision of a rehab coach, which was followed by a quick practice session with the ball under fitness chief Holger Broich. Even though he worked hard in the center and ran some laps, it was reported that he wasn't still completely free from the injury. The medical team will have the last word about Coman, though I expect to start at Anfield. His presence could make the difference knowing he has scored five goals in 15 appearances this term. One other player is definitely sidelined - Thomas Muller is out through suspension.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Prediction:
I can't see Liverpool winning here. The Reds are very handicapped, particularly in the defense. Klopp has four genuine central defenders, but three of them are unavailable for this match - Lovren and Gomez are injured, while Van Dijk is suspended. Bayern are experienced side that will take advantage from this situation.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Pick: Bayern Munich +0.5 AH @ 1.86 SBOBet
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Bayern Munich:
Neuer; Kimmich, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Gnabry, James, Coman; Lewandowski
Liverpool had lot of problems during the group phase of the Champions League. The Reds have suffered three defeats in six matches, but the last round narrow victory over Napoli was enough to secure the second place in Group C, while the Italians finished third and now play in Europe League. Paris Saint-Germain ended on the first position, while fourth-placed Red Star Belgrade were eliminated. I believe the fans are satisfied and most of them are expecting a copy of the last season's success. Nevertheless, it wont be easy and manager Jurgen Klopp is well aware of that. Beating the most successful German club isn't a 'mission impossible' for Klopp, he had many positive results coaching Borussia Dortmund in the past. But right now he has enormous defensive issues ahead of the first-leg match. Three of his four central defenders are unavailable due to injury and suspension. Dejan Lovren is out due to a hamstring injury, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a broken leg. To make matters worse for Klopp, the key defender Virgil van Dijk is suspended after picking up three yellow cards in the group. That means Fabinho and Joel Matip will start in the heart of defense. I doubt they are able to stop Lewandowski.
Bayern Munich were dominant in their group and finished unbeaten with four victories and two draws. The Bavarians are not that successful in domestic Bundesliga where sit on the second place, behind the leaders Borussia Dortmund. Coach Niko Kovac is under big pressure, however the actual form is good. Bayern managed to win the last two matches in league. First they beat Schalke with 3:1 and then won 3:2 against Augsburg. Kingsley Coman has scored twice on the last match, however he was forced to left the match. Coman suffered an apparent recurrence of a left ankle injury deep into referee time, which forced him to hobble from the pitch. The Frenchman has already undergone two operations on the ankle, the first of which ruled him out of last year’s World Cup in Russia and the second after a recurrence on the opening day of the current season. Nevertheless, Coman completed an individual running session on Sunday, under the supervision of a rehab coach, which was followed by a quick practice session with the ball under fitness chief Holger Broich. Even though he worked hard in the center and ran some laps, it was reported that he wasn't still completely free from the injury. The medical team will have the last word about Coman, though I expect to start at Anfield. His presence could make the difference knowing he has scored five goals in 15 appearances this term. One other player is definitely sidelined - Thomas Muller is out through suspension.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Prediction:
I can't see Liverpool winning here. The Reds are very handicapped, particularly in the defense. Klopp has four genuine central defenders, but three of them are unavailable for this match - Lovren and Gomez are injured, while Van Dijk is suspended. Bayern are experienced side that will take advantage from this situation.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich Pick: Bayern Munich +0.5 AH @ 1.86 SBOBet
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Arias, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Rodri, Thomas, Saul; Griezmann, Morata
Juventus:
Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi, Khedira; Ronaldo, Dybala, Mandzukic
Atletico Madrid will welcome the Italian champions Juventus at Wanda Metropolitano for the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League. Atletico were solid in the group and had four victories, but suffered one heavy defeat losing 4:0 to Borussia in Dortmund. However, they finished second with 13 points, ahead of Monaco and Club Brugge. This is the fifth time in six years they have secured the last-16 stage of the European top tier competition and they will look to advance further. Atletico Madrid are very experienced side as they have reached the final of the Champions League in 2014 and 2016. Coach Diego Simeone is doing an excellent job and I believe the fans are satisfied. However, Atletico are not in best shape at the moment. They have lost two of the previous three matches in La Liga. Atletico lost 1:0 to Betis in Sevilla and lost 3:1 to Real Madrid at home. The defeats surely have impact to the players confidence. On the positive note, Atletico managed narrowly to beat Rayo Vallecano during the weekend thanks to a second-half goal from Antoine Griezmann. Simeone has some injury issues ahead of this match. Lucas Hernandez is definitely out with a knee problem, while Koke is rated as doubtful following a muscular issue. Both Diego Costa and Stefan Savic made their comeback from injury against Rayo Vallecano during the weekend and could be involved here, although neither is likely to start.
Juventus started furious in their group and had three victories after the first three rounds. They beat Valencia at Mestalla, Young Boys in Turin and Manchester United at Old Trafford. Even more, Juve kept clean sheet on all three clashes. Alegri's men showed some weaknesses in the next three matches losing twice, though they secured the first place in Group H. This is the 10th Champions League last-16 tie for the Old Lady, winning 6 and losing 3 of the previous nine. Last season they beat Tottenham at this stage of the competition, but then were eliminated by Real Madrid. The domestic form is very good, Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A so far this season and sit 13 points clear of second-placed Napoli. Last weekend they beat Frosinone with 3:0 thanks to the goals scored by Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Bonucci and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latest have scored 21 goals in all competitions this season and he is a player that could make the difference in this clash. Even more as the Portuguese international like to play against Diego Simeone's team - he has scored 22 goals in 31 games against Atletico Madrid during his time at Real. Juventus have most of the players ready, but Juan Cuadrado is still sidelined following the knee surgery. There are also some positive news as Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will start in the heart of the defense after recovering from injuries.
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus Prediction:
According to me, Juventus are closer to the victory here. Atletico are in poor form in the last period. They have suffered two defeats on the last three matches and the players confidence isn't high. Juventus are very experienced side and have player able to make a difference here - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus Pick: Juventus (Draw No Bet) @ 1.89 with Unibet
Possible starting lineups:
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Arias, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Rodri, Thomas, Saul; Griezmann, Morata
Juventus:
Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi, Khedira; Ronaldo, Dybala, Mandzukic
Atletico Madrid will welcome the Italian champions Juventus at Wanda Metropolitano for the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League. Atletico were solid in the group and had four victories, but suffered one heavy defeat losing 4:0 to Borussia in Dortmund. However, they finished second with 13 points, ahead of Monaco and Club Brugge. This is the fifth time in six years they have secured the last-16 stage of the European top tier competition and they will look to advance further. Atletico Madrid are very experienced side as they have reached the final of the Champions League in 2014 and 2016. Coach Diego Simeone is doing an excellent job and I believe the fans are satisfied. However, Atletico are not in best shape at the moment. They have lost two of the previous three matches in La Liga. Atletico lost 1:0 to Betis in Sevilla and lost 3:1 to Real Madrid at home. The defeats surely have impact to the players confidence. On the positive note, Atletico managed narrowly to beat Rayo Vallecano during the weekend thanks to a second-half goal from Antoine Griezmann. Simeone has some injury issues ahead of this match. Lucas Hernandez is definitely out with a knee problem, while Koke is rated as doubtful following a muscular issue. Both Diego Costa and Stefan Savic made their comeback from injury against Rayo Vallecano during the weekend and could be involved here, although neither is likely to start.
Juventus started furious in their group and had three victories after the first three rounds. They beat Valencia at Mestalla, Young Boys in Turin and Manchester United at Old Trafford. Even more, Juve kept clean sheet on all three clashes. Alegri's men showed some weaknesses in the next three matches losing twice, though they secured the first place in Group H. This is the 10th Champions League last-16 tie for the Old Lady, winning 6 and losing 3 of the previous nine. Last season they beat Tottenham at this stage of the competition, but then were eliminated by Real Madrid. The domestic form is very good, Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A so far this season and sit 13 points clear of second-placed Napoli. Last weekend they beat Frosinone with 3:0 thanks to the goals scored by Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Bonucci and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latest have scored 21 goals in all competitions this season and he is a player that could make the difference in this clash. Even more as the Portuguese international like to play against Diego Simeone's team - he has scored 22 goals in 31 games against Atletico Madrid during his time at Real. Juventus have most of the players ready, but Juan Cuadrado is still sidelined following the knee surgery. There are also some positive news as Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will start in the heart of the defense after recovering from injuries.
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus Prediction:
According to me, Juventus are closer to the victory here. Atletico are in poor form in the last period. They have suffered two defeats on the last three matches and the players confidence isn't high. Juventus are very experienced side and have player able to make a difference here - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus Pick: Juventus (Draw No Bet) @ 1.89 with Unibet
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