Manchester Utd vs Bayern Munich: Match preview, team news and prediction
Manchester United is set to face Bayern Munich in a crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage fixture on December 12, 2023. The match will take place at Old Trafford and is scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off.
It is a vital game for Manchester United as their progression in the tournament depends on a win against Bayern and a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray in another match.
Team News and Recent Form
The team's recent form has been mixed, with a notable victory against Chelsea and a disappointing defeat against Bournemouth.
In terms of team news, Amad might be available for selection after returning to training, while Raphael Varane's and Victor Lindelof's participation is uncertain due to injuries.
Rasmus Hojlund has been in excellent form in the Champions League and will be a crucial player for Manchester United.
Bayern Munich: Bayern has been formidable in the Champions League so far. They will be missing Serge Gnabry and Bouna Sarr due to injuries, while Matthijs de Ligt and Jamal Musiala have been recent concerns.
Bayern's current form includes a mix of victories and a few draws, demonstrating their consistent performance.
Head-to-Head and Rivalry
The teams have a storied rivalry, with memorable matches in the past, including the dramatic 1999 Champions League final.
In their last meeting during this season's Champions League group stage, Bayern defeated Manchester United 4-3 in an eventful encounter at the Allianz Arena.
Playing Styles and Tactics
Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, typically focuses on a high-pressing style and quick transitions. Bayern Munich, a tactically versatile team, often dominates possession and utilizes a high line of defence.
Predictions and Betting Tips
Given both teams' forms and historical performances, this match is expected to be closely contested. While predictions vary, a common expectation is a narrow victory for Bayern Munich, with a predicted scoreline of Manchester United 1-2 Bayern Munich.
Time and Where to watch
The match time is 9:00 pm WAT, and for Nigerian viewers, it's best to check local sports channels for live coverage closer to the match, like SuperSports.