Bayern v Liverpool preview: all you need to know
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Article summary
Bayern and Liverpool are deadlocked at 0-0 going into a game "the whole world will be watching".
Article top media content
Article body
- FOLLOW LIVE BUILD-UP FROM MUNICH
- Kovač: "The whole world will be watching"
- First leg finished goalless at Anfield
- Bayern have won last seven round of 16 ties
- Liverpool lost all three away games in group stage
Reporter's view (Jordan Maciel, UEFA.com): Pundits billed high-flying Liverpool as favourites when the draw was made in December, but after the Anfield stalemate this tie is tough to call. The Bavarians' majestic league form and strong UEFA Champions League home record, contrasted with Liverpool's struggles on the road in Europe, arguably give Niko Kovač's side an edge. However, last season's finalists travel to Munich knowing a score draw or better would suffice to take them through – just as it did when these teams met in 1980/81.
Possible line-ups
Bayern München: Neuer; Rafinha, Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Thiago, Martínez, James Rodríguez; Gnabry, Lewandowski, Ribéry
Out: Kimmich (suspended), Müller (suspended), Robben (calf), Tolisso (fitness)
Doubtful: Coman (hamstring)
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mané
Out: Keïta (unspecified), Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring), Gomez (ankle)
Doubtful: Alexander-Arnold (muscular), Lovren (hamstring), Milner (hamstring)
Misses next game if booked: Robertson
Key battle
Lewandowski v Van Dijk: Bayern took fewer risks than usual in the first leg, leaving Robert Lewandowski somewhat isolated. At home, this will change; Bayern need their main striker to have more than just the one goal attempt he had at Anfield. Back from suspension, Liverpool's key man Virgil van Dijk will have to keep those openings to a minimum.
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Form guide
Bayern
Last game: Bayern 6-0 Wolfsburg (09/03)
Form: WWWDWWWLWW
Liverpool
Last game: Liverpool 4-2 Burnley (10/03)
Form: WDWDDWDDWW
Niko Kovač, Bayern coach
The whole world will be watching. It's a highlight, not just for the players and coaches, but also for all fans and the media. If we want to go through, we have to win. There can be no 0-0s. But we will have the kind of support in the stadium that we have not seen for a long time.
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
This game has nothing to do with anything else. We need rhythm, it's all about balance. Bayern have world class players so we have to defend at our highest level, but when we have the ball we have to be really confident and brave.
We don't feel the pressure – the atmosphere is great in the city and at the club. I know I have to produce success but there's no pressure. I've loved to come here in the past – we played great matches here with Dortmund – and I'm happy to be part of a great match.
