UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich vs Benfica Preview
- Date: Nov. 27, 2018
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: Univision Deportes app and Bleacher Report Live
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Venue: Allianz Arena
- Seating Capacity: 70,000
German giants welcome Portuguese side Benfica at Allianz Arena on Tuesday for Group E action. The hosts need just one point to book themselves a pass in the knockout stages. Despite Bayern’s poor form and woes, they have been successful in Champions winning three of their last four matches.
Meanwhile, Benfica needs just one point to stay alive in the competition as they sit third in the standings ahead of AEK Athens with four points. However, if they hope to continue in the competition they need a win to have a chance at overtaking Ajax and qualify to the next round.
Team News
Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovač has a number of key players out for Tuesday’s clash. Among them are Corentin Tolisso, Thiago, Serge Gnabry and James Rodriguez, all due to injuries. In addition to this, Mats Hummels will miss the fixture against Benfica due to a gastrointestinal issue, as reported by kicker.
Arjen Robben looks to be ready after recovering from a minor knee injury. The Dutchman did not play in Bayern’s 3-3 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Benfica will be without the services of Tyronne Ebuehi, while Eduardo Salvio and Yuri Ribeiro will likely miss action with small injuries.
Potential Lineup
Bayern Munich IX: Neuer; Alaba, Boateng, Süle, Kimmich; Sanches, Robben, Müller, Goretzka, Ríbery; Lewandowski.
Benfica IX: Vlachodimos; Almeida, Dias, Jardel, Grimaldo; Pizzi, Fejsa, Fernandes; Jonas, Seferovic, Rafa.
Prediction
To their benefit, Bayern has kept a clean sheet in four of their last five home victories in Champions. Meanwhile, Benfica have been scoreless in six of their last seven Champions League defeats away from home.
Bayern were a much better team when these two sides met back in September in Lisbon, Kovač side has a heavy edge that would have him claim another comfortable win at home.
Bayern Munich 3 – 1 Benfica
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