Bayern Munich begin their bid for Champions League glory at the Allianz Arena against Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegians reached the knockout stage last season, and they’ll be targeting another good run.

Regulars to return as Bayern kick off their European campaign

A rare 0-0 draw for Bayern Munich was the unlikely outcome on Saturday when they visited Schalke in the Bundesliga. Vincent Kompany left key men Harry Kane and Michael Olise on the bench, but both look set to return on Thursday.

Kane is still chasing a first major continental trophy. He scored 14 goals in 13 appearances in this competition last term. However, he failed to strike in his opening two league appearances, following a late return to training after the World Cup.

Serge Gnabry is the only notable fitness doubt for the hosts, who will hand a first competitive start of the season to Jamal Musiala.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Bodø/Glimt (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Min-Jae, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane.

Bodø/Glimt hit by injuries ahead of Champions League opener

Bodø/Glimt are hopeful Jens Petter Hauge will be able to shake off an injury to take his place in attack. The 26-year-old was a key figure, scoring six goals in 12 Champions League appearances when the Norwegians enjoyed a surprise run to the round of 16 last season.

Kjetil Knutsen will have to cope without the injured quartet of Håkon Evjen, August Mikkelsen, Magnus Bech Riisnæs and Haitam Aleesami. Defender Jostein Gundersen is an additional doubt.

The visitors have a fresh attacking option, after the signing of Assan Sanyang last week. However, he’s only likely to make the bench in Munich.

Bodø/Glimt predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjøvold, Nielsen, Bjørtuft, Bjørkan; Auklend, Berg, Brunstad Fet; Blomberg, Helmersen, Hauge.

Bayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Bodø/Glimt +4 Handicap
  • Odds: 1.285 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Bodø/Glimt
  • 22Bet Booking Code: E7NH3

Key stats:

  • Bodø/Glimt have only lost one of their past 11 Champions League fixtures.
  • The Norwegians have won three of their last five road games in Europe.
  • Bayern haven’t won any of their previous 14 competitive matches by a margin of five goals or more.

Bodø/Glimt won’t be intimidated by the tough task that awaits them at the Allianz Arena. They won away to Atlético Madrid and Inter in last season’s competition, and drew 2-2 in Dortmund. Those fantastic road results against major European clubs make them a safe pick with a +4 handicap here.

Bayern have not produced their best football yet this term. They have some key players only just returning to full match fitness following the World Cup. Including friendlies, they’ve only won one of their past seven games by a margin of more than three goals.

Bayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Bayern Munich to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 1.71 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3XLH3

Bodø/Glimt scored three goals in each of their four qualifying matches to reach the league phase of the Champions League again. Meanwhile, 15 of their past 16 European away games have seen both teams score.

Backing Bayern to win a game that produces goals for each team offers value. Including pre-season, Kompany’s side have kept just one clean sheet across their last seven outings.

Verdict: Bodø/Glimt +4 Handicap (1.285) — Bayern Munich 3-1 Bodø/Glimt