The starting lineups are out! Ribery replaces Coman at left wing, Rafinha at right-back, Hummels and Süle start at center-back, and James Rodriguez joins Thiago and Javi Martinez in the midfield.
Here it is! The starting lineup:
Liverpool has released their official starting lineup. Interestingly, Klopp has opted not to start Fabinho, as many had anticipated:
Bild has learned Kovac’s starting lineup a little before the official announcement. According to them, Franck Ribery will start at left wing today, putting Coman on the bench. At center-back, Mats Hummels will be joined by Niklas Süle. Rafinha will play at right-back as expected, since David Alaba is fully fit.
The midfield will consist of Javi Martinez at CDM, with Thiago Alcantara joining him in a flexible double-pivot. James Rodriguez plays at the 10. The rest of the lineup: Robert Lewandowski at striker, Serge Gnabry at right wing, and of course Manuel Neuer in goal.
It’s time for the game that will define this round of the Champions League — Bayern Munich vs Liverpool at the Allianz Arena. Since the first leg of the tie ended 0-0, both teams still have everything to play for.
Niko Kovac is burdened with the absence of two key players — Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich— to suspension. Kimmich will presumably be replaced by Rafinha, a more than capable backup, but he will have to be at his best to keep Sadio Mané and Andy Robertson at bay.
In attack, since Müller is absent, Robert Lewandowski will have his work cut out for him breaking down the pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. He will be supported by a winger duo of Serge Gnabry and one of Franck Ribery or Kingsley Coman, but, as we saw in the first leg, it’s very difficult for a striker when he doesn’t get any touches on the ball.
James Rodriguez may end up key to the tie. The Colombian had a terrible game at Anfield, but he’s shown a resurgence in form since. His skill and technicality could help Bayern beat Liverpool’s press, and he may have an easier time now that Liverpool’s Naby Keita is out injured. Of course, Kovac has the option of using Leon Goretzkainstead of James, for added speed and physicality.
As you can see, the tie promises to be a great tactical battle and a feast for the eyes. These are the games that the Champions League was meant for. Time for Niko Kovac and his men to show the world what they are made of.
It’s Bayern time.
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