Bayern Munich will host Manchester City as they look to produce one of the best comebacks in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. A 3-0 defeat at the Etihad in the first leg has left Bayern on the verge of elimination, and a similar outcome here would raise doubts about the decision to fire Julian Nagelsmann and replace him with Thomas Tuchel in the middle of the season. Few clubs in Europe are as terrifying as City right now, with Pep Guardiola’s men smashing whoever stands in their way of domestic and European triumph.
Bayern Munich team news
Sadio Mane will return to the Bayern Munich squad after serving a one-game internal punishment for hitting teammate Leroy Sane in the aftermath of the first leg, but whether he will start remains to be seen. Tuchel was encouraged by striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s return to training. The 34-year-old completed the entire session on Monday and might be thrust straight into the starting lineup as Bayern looks to score at least three goals. Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez are still on the bench.
Man City team news
Phil Foden is City’s only absentee as he recovers from appendectomy surgery. Pep Guardiola made a point of withdrawing his star players against Leicester to protect them here, with Erling Haaland and Rodri staying until the job was done before being wrapped up and kept safe.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester City score prediction
Bayern is a better team at home, and they’ll try to capitalize on the fact that City hasn’t been faultless in defense in recent games, but the amount of work still to do will undoubtedly be too much for them. Guardiola does not know how to protect a lead, and he will expect his team to control possession, strive for more, and establish their dominance. You wouldn’t gamble against them right now. Bayern is expected to score, but City is expected to win.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 1-2 Man City
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