Bayern Munich will look to book their place in the Champions League round of 16 when they host Celtic in the second leg of the play-offs on Tuesday.
The Bavarians edged out the Hoops 2-1 in the first leg, courtesy of strikes from Harry Kane and Michael Olise.
The German giants also recorded a stalemate against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga over the weekend, which helped them establish an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
However, it wasn’t without struggles, with Bayern failing to register a single shot on target, while they had to withstand an onslaught from the reigning Champions to eke out a draw.
But they will be looking to return to their best and dominate all phases of play against Celtic at the Allianz Arena.
On the other hand, Celtic will look to keep punching above their weight to overturn the slender lead in the aggregate and keep their European dreams alive.
Daizen Maeda’s strike in the 1st leg has given the Bhoys a glimmer of hope to eye a major upset in the away fixture but they face an almost insurmountable task of toppling the German powerhouse in their backyard.
Their remarkable domestic form will give Celtic huge confidence entering into Tuesday’s tie. They steamrolled Dundee United 3-0 over the weekend, thanks to strikes from Callum McGregor, Jota and Adam Idah, to go 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Team News
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany can summon the same squad he had against Bayer Leverkusen, with goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and left-back Alphonso Davies remaining the only absentees through injuries.
Kompany is also expected to stick to the centre-back duo of Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano, who featured in the draw against Leverkusen. Raphael Guerreiro is likely to occupy the left-back position in the absence of Davies.
Meanwhile, Celtic will continue to be without the services of James Forrest (Foot) and Paulo Bernardo (ankle) due to injuries.
Bayern Munich vs Celtic Probable Line-ups
Predicted Bayern Munich XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer, Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer, Joshua Kimmich, Joao Palhinha, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane
Predicted Celtic XI (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Greg Taylor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Jota, Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah
Key Battles
Olise vs Taylor
Michael Olise showcased his class in the first leg with a stellar display, capped off by an outstanding goal. The French winger terrorised Celtic’s defence, especially left-back Greg Taylor, with his blistering pace, dribbling prowess and ball-striking. It will be interesting to see whether Taylor will again come up short in the second leg or devise a better strategy to curb Olise’s influence.
Daizen Maeda vs Upamecano
Maeda has proven to be Celtic’s integral player in the attack this season, having also shown the German giants what he is capable of in the first leg. Provided his rich vein of form, the Japanese winger will look to exert his influence again, posing another big challenge to Bayern’s defensive colossus Upamecano.
Bayern Munich vs Celtic – Where to watch?
United Kingdom
The game between Bayern Munich and Celtic at Allianz Arena can be live-streamed via Amazon Prime.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-0 Celtic
