Having already secured a seat among the last 16, Bayern Munich have little to play for against PSV on Wednesday, but Vincent Kompany will push for a quick response to the shocking domestic defeat during the weekend.
Domestic form has little meaning in the Champions League, where you have to face the best teams in Europe week in and week out, and PSV felt that with full force last week. The Farmers are at serious risk of getting eliminated from the UCL, unless they find a way to beat Bayern Munich.
The only reason they are within the boundaries of the Top 24 is their superior goal difference, but they can draw influence from Augsburg’s triumph during the weekend and Bayern’s defeat.
This was Bayern Munich’s second defeat in 29 matches this season, and their first at home. They created fewer chances than usual, and Augsburg took advantage of every mistake.
The Bavarians already secured qualification to the 1/8 finals last week, and have little to play for, at least on paper. However, we expect Vincent Kompany to play a strong lineup, as he usually does, even if only to ensure his team returns to the winning column immediately.
How the bookies view it: The Bavarians will bounce back
Bookmakers are predicting a one-sided clash, but Bayern's advantage seems a little exaggerated given the circumstances. At the moment, you can back PSV at 4/1, a draw at 7/2, or Bayern Munich at 3/5.
Recent head-to-head: Bayern Munich have struggled in the Netherlands
Bayern Munich and PSV have met quite a few times in different editions of this tournament, but their last encounter took place about 10 years ago.
The Bavarians won the last match at this stadium, but it should be noted that this is their only victory here out of a total of five previous attempts. However, it also remains Bayern's only victory as a guest of a Dutch team since the last century.
Players to watch: They can't escape Harry Kane
You can never go wrong with a Harry Kane pick, and for the first time in a long time, we can say that the odds carry some value. Whether it's because of the already guaranteed qualification or something else, we don't know, but 3/4 for a goal by a player who has scored 33 goals in 29 games this season sounds like a steal.
Alternatively, we plan to trust Michael Olise with an assist once again, as he already has 20 this season, besides his 13 goals. Not to mention the 10 goal contributions across the last five appearances.
Probable line-ups
PSV Eindhoven: Kovar, Sildillia, Flamingo, Obispo, Junior, Schouten, Veerman, Man, Til, Perisic, Wanner
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Bischof, Ito, Tah, Guerreiro, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Diaz, Karl, Olise, Kane
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite last week’s humiliating 3-0 defeat away at Newcastle, PSV are in a spectacular overall form, and will cause Neuer some problems. Plus, all four most recent H2Hs have featured goals from both teams.
There will be goals and PSV will not make it easy, but we believe the Bavarians will pour all their aggression and skills into winning this match, so we plan to trust the good odds for an away victory.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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