Quarterfinal, Bayern Munich vs Manchester United
Wednesday 09/04/2014, 20:45, Champions League
After a pulsating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last week, holders Bayern Munich are well placed to advance to the semi finals of the Champions League in midweek.
The Bavarians entertain the Red Devils on Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena, fully aware of the significant threat that David Moyes’ side carry into the second leg.
Recap of the first leg:
Nemanja Vidic’s superb leap from Wayne Rooney’s corner in the second half gave the Red Devils the unlikely of lead on the night, but Bastian Schweinsteiger’s fine effort restored parity. The German however, will miss the second leg having been sent off at the dying stages of the match.
What to expect from the match:
While David Moyes’ side brushed aside Newcastle United by 4-0 in the weekend, Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a shock 1-0 reversal against Augsburg which ended their record 53-game unbeaten league run in the Bundesliga.
Betting tips: Despite winning four away games on the trot, Manchester United are not bookies’ favourite to progress to the semi-finals with Bet 365 offering 6/1 odds for the Red Devils to qualify to the next round.
The Manager’s views:
David Moyes:
Manchester United manager David Moyes was pleased with the way his team played against Bayern in the first leg. There were criticisms that United sat deep against the reigning European Champions at home and that they should have attacked more, but Moyes feels he was spot on with his tactics.
“You can look at some Champions League games recently where teams have sat back and then got something, so I don’t think there’s any shame in what we did. Tactically, we played very well on the night.”
Pep Guardiola:
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola admits that his side will reap the benefit of playing the second leg at home but warns ‘it won’t be easy’ against the English team.
“They play very defensively and always look to counter – it’s something they do very, very well. We’re playing at home. That’s an important factor. I think they’ll sit very deep.”
Likely line ups:
Bayern Munich:
Schweinsteiger is set to miss out thanks to the red card he received at Old Trafford while Javi Martinez will also miss out through suspension.
Bayern will welcome back Dante in the heart of the defence and while Mario Gotze should start in the middle replacing the German midfielder.
Manchester United:
Wayne Rooney is expected to lead the attacking line, should the England striker passes a late fitness test, while left back Patrice Evra is back after suspension.
Betting News: Can Rooney inspire United to a historic win at the Allianz? He is at 3/1 with Bet365 to score anytime in the match.
Moyes however needs to make a big decision – whether to start with the dynamic Shinji Kagawa on the left or opt for the experienced Darren Fletcher as an extra defensive presence in the middle of the park.
Predictions: 2-1
The Red Devils will be looking to upset the odds in Munich but with the Bavarians playing in front of their vociferous home faithful and an away goal in their kitty, are best placed to progress to the semi finals.
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