Spanish giants Barcelona will face German giant Bayern Munich in Week 1 of the 2023-22 UEFA Champions League Group E match. The clash will bring back memories of Bayern Munich beating Barcelona 2-8 in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. However, since the trash, both teams have undergone a major change.
The teams have met 9 times in the UCL. The German team has the advantage, as they have been victorious 6 times. Barcelona won 2 games and 1 game ended in a draw.
Barcelona will probably play XI against Bayern Munich
The club is undergoing a great transformation. Things have gone from bad to worse for the Catalans. Forward Antonie Griezmann has returned on loan to his old club, Atlético de Madrid. Ronald Koeman has a long list of injuries. Both Sergio Agüero and Ansu Fati are excluded from the UCL squad against Bayern Munich. In addition, forward Martin Braithwaite will have surgery and it is very likely that he will miss the crash.
In the absence of Braithwaite and Agüero, Depay and Coutinho will maintain command. Piqué is more likely to hold Barcelona’s defensive functions. In addition, Koeman will go with Sergio Roberto ahead of Sergino Dest in the right-back position.
Barcelona Probable XI – Ter Stegen (GK), Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Frankie de Jong, Pedri, Memphis Depay, Luke de Jong and Philippe Coutinho.
Bayern Munich is likely to play XI against Barcelona
Bayern Munich have very little concern about injuries. Only Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso will miss the clash with calf injuries. Bayern Munich have a great record against the Spanish and will look to continue dominance in the next clash.
Bayern Munich Probable XI – Manuel Neuer (GK, C) Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez, Alphonso Davies, Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala and Robert Lewandowski.
