Guardiola: “The best performance of Bayern Munich will be on Wednesday”
Manchester City have one foot in the Champions League semi finals following a confident performance at the Etihad Stadium against Bayern Munich last week.
Pep Guardiola’s men won 3-0 in the first leg and are now strong favourites to progress with Bayern Munich also struggling in the Bundesliga against Hoffenheim between the two legs of this quarter-final tie.
Bayern boss, Thomas Tuchel, will have to set his side up to attack but will know that method will leave his defence vulnerable to the impressive forward line that City possess. Tuchel has enjoyed success in this competition against Manchester City before, but Bayern’s hopes of progression are surely slim with their visitors in remorseless scoring form.
The winner of this tie will face Real Madrid in the final four after the current Champions League holders defeated Chelsea last night. Carlo Ancelotti’s men progressed 4-0 on aggregate and look on course to regain their title this season too.
Follow all the action as Bayern Munich host Manchester City:
Bayern Munich vs Manchester City prediction
This should be a close affair with Bayern Munich showing more of their attacking attributes than they did a week ago. Man City are likely to match them stride for stride though and should go through after securing a draw away from home.
Bayern Munich 2-2 Manchester City (2-5 agg.)
Mike Jones19 April 2023 18:15
Bayern Munich vs Man City predicted line-ups
Bayern Munich XI: Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Coman; Mane.
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.
Mike Jones19 April 2023 18:10
What is the early team news?
A tough night in Manchester on the pitch last week saw frustrations boil over off it for Bayern Munich, with Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane involved in a dressing room confrontation. That led to Mane’s exclusion from the matchday squad against Hoffenheim, but the forward is set to return for the second leg. He could be joined by Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is back in training after a knee injury.
Phil Foden continues to recover after having his appendix removed, but has been back in Manchester City training this week. Pep Guardiola has settled on a favoured system of late, with John Stones likely to continue moving into midfield when his side have the ball.
Mike Jones19 April 2023 18:05
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Manchester City
Bayern Munich vs Manchester City is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 19 April at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BT Sport 1, with coverage from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the second leg via the BT Sport app or online player.
Mike Jones19 April 2023 18:00
Bayern Munich vs Manchester City
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of this evening’s Champions League quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men lead 3-0 on aggregate after a stellar performance at the Etihad Stadium and will be hoping to nullify Bayern’s attacking qualities in order to progress through to the final four.
For their part, the Bundesliga champions will be hoping that home advantage plays in their favour as they hunt for an early goal to turn around their fortunes.
City are the big favourites but whoever progresses will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals after Carlo Ancelotti’s men defeated Chelsea last night.
At the least this match will be an entertaining encounter but can City see off Bayern and keep their hopes of winning the Champions League alive?
Mike Jones19 April 2023 16:02
