It’s the sixth and final round of fixtures from this season’s UEFA Champions League group campaign, and there’s still plenty to play for across the board. Followers have an action-packed schedule to enjoy on Tuesday evening with some of Europe’s most famous teams and players in action. Deciding on which game to follow live on television could be the most challenging aspect of your Tuesday evening, but we have selected a fixture that’s sure to pull in a crowd.
Manchester United welcome German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich to Old Trafford for what promises to be a fascinating match. The home team knows this is a game they simply must win, while Bayern Munich arrives at the Theatre of Dreams hoping to put on a show and take the scalp of another high-ranking opponent. Will the Red Devils get off the bottom of Group A and catapult themselves into contention for a spot in Europe in the new year? Would you expect Munich to wrap things up with a fifth win in six games?
Keep reading as our team of football writers preview Man Utd vs Bayern Munich and offer their expert predictions.
Red Devils start bottom
Manchester United fans started this Champions League campaign with high hopes of making it through the group stages and into the knockout rounds. Back in September, when the curtain went up in the European schedule, United was full of confidence. They had a strong squad – certainly on paper – had the financial backing of the board, and boasted a top-class manager with experience in bringing success. What could go wrong? It looked like they’d finish first or second and progress to the next stage. But football rarely goes to plan, especially at this level.
Man Utd entered the final group game sitting at rock bottom of the pool, with their stats for the first five games showing one win, one draw, and three defeats with a dozen goals scored and 14 conceded. They collected only four of the first 15 points up for grabs and have taken one of the previous six points on the line. They are nine points behind the visitors, who have already progressed but require two points to pass Copenhagen, who is currently in second. That means Man Utd must beat Bayern Munich to secure Champions League football in the new year. Will they get the dream result?
FCB start top
Bayern Munich have enjoyed many famous battles with Manchester United over the years and are all set for another important trip to Old Trafford. The visitors know this is a must-win game for the home team, but that’s not the case for the Germans, who have already done more than enough to secure pole position. FCB booked their slot in the knockout rounds a few weeks ago and can now afford to take their foot off the gas heading into the final fixture of six in the pool. Will the Germans down tools or aim to stick the boot into their opponents by finishing on a high?
Bet hereBayern Munich will arrive at the Theatre of Dreams with their stats showing four wins and one draw, with 11 goals scored and six conceded. They have scored one goal fewer than their opponents but have a much better defensive record, and that could be the difference in this contest. FCB has leaked only six goals while Man Utd has conceded 14, and that tells you everything you need to know about how the campaign has gone so far.
Man Utd vs Bayern Munich prediction
What a game we have in store here, and football fans must try to second-guess how Bayern Munich will set up and if Man Utd’s players want to win for the jersey. There have been vicious rumours circulating that some of United’s stars have downed tools in response to problems behind the scenes, and although their recent results add fuel to the fire, that’s unlikely to be true. They are professionals and will want to silence their critics with a home with over a high-ranking opponent.
Bayern Munich has nothing to play for in England, and they may decide to rest some of their better names and most frequent starters ahead of this weekend’s game in the Bundesliga. Suppose Bayern Munich is anywhere near their best. In that case, they should have more than enough class to win and progress as convincing pool champions, sending a statement of intent to the rest of the competition, including Manchester City.
Champions League odds
The pre-match betting odds on this fixture are available to all active members of 22Bet, and you can have your say on the winner of Man Utd vs Bayern Munich now on the website and mobile site. Fancy a home win? Man Utd is 2.744 for victory on their patch, while Bayern Munich trades at 2.29, and the draw is 3.96.
In addition to the match-winner betting markets, 22Bet also offers a long list of eye-catching and interesting specials. You can predict the first goalscorer, both teams to score, half-time/full-time, the handicap, and more. There’s something to suit every football fan and bettor at 22Bet.
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