Bayern Munich vs Liverpool: 4 interesting subplots that could develop in the match | UEFA Champions League 2018/19

Liverpool take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena today in a game that has all the elements to be a Champions League classic. The first leg at Anfield ended in a stalemate, with neither team troubling the scorers.

Bayern Munich might have the upper hand in terms of home advantage, but the lack of an away goal could seriously hurt the Bavarian giants. In addition, the return of the imperious Virgil van Dijk from suspension is sure to give this Liverpool side a huge boost of confidence.

However, Liverpool’s away frailties in the Champions League this season have been a cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp with turgid displays in Paris, Naples and Belgrade, resulting in 3 losses.

The team though will be high on confidence after a morale-boosting 4-2 victory over Burnley at the weekend. Bayern, on the other hand, has been on a role in the Bundesliga of late, winning 12 of the last 13 games.

As a result, the reigning domestic champions lead the table on goal difference, ahead of an exuberant Dortmund side. Both sides have the attacking capacity to make this a goal fest, yet considering each of the team's experience in the tournament, we could expect a more reserved game.

With the match being finely poised, we take a look at four patterns that might emerge as the game goes on:

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#4 Both sides target the right-hand side of each other’s defence

Kimmich's absence will be a big blow to the Bundesliga Champions

Both defences were top notch in the Anfield leg and snuffed out most of the danger posed by the attacking players.

Yet, the yellow card for Joshua Kimmich at Anfield rules him out of the home tie. Kimmich, who is the epitome of the modern-day full-back, was quite disciplined in the first leg as he decided to curb his natural instincts in favour of a more vigilant tracking of the Liverpool front three.

The German was simply outstanding at Anfield, yet one reckless challenge on Mane means that he will have to sit out the second leg. Rafinha or even Jerome Boateng could be Kimmich’s most likely replacement and whoever Kovac decides to start, there is no doubt that they will have to step up.

Klopp and his men will definitely try to exploit this weakness and instruct his front players to get in behind the right-back as much as possible. Hence, it could be a make or break night for Bayern's right-hand side defender.

On the other hand, Liverpool will also be wary of the Bayern wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, who I felt were excellent at Anfield. With the return of Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s left-hand side of the defence will become a lot more secure as he and Robertson will look to snuff out most of the danger.

Although Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in top form this season, the ease with which Burnley’s left winger Dwight McNeil beat him consistently on Sunday, could become a worry for Klopp. Add in the fact that Joel Matip wasn’t also very sure of himself on Sunday and suddenly, Bayern have a minor weakness to exploit.

#3 Importance of the first goal

Can this man open the scoring?

The first half of the second leg at the Allianz Arena might head in the same direction as the first leg. Both teams will be wary of each other’s attacking arsenals and will be looking to counter the attacking blows.

Put into consideration the away goal factor and it throws up its own set of challenges. Technically, a 0-0 draw should suit Bayern since a score draw or a victory for The Reds would see them through to the next round.

But if you look at it in another way, it also means that Liverpool have to at least score once in order to progress (if you take penalties out of consideration). That could ask a few questions of these Liverpool players, whether to play cautiously or to be quick out of the blocks, the second of which might leave them a bit exposed.

However, with Bayern’s home support cheering them on, keeping a clean sheet would be a tough ask. To sum it all up, one goal on the night will be enough to completely change the complexion of the tie as the condition of extra time will go out of the equation.

That is how important the first goal of the game would be. Thus, it might turn out to be a cagey affair at least in the first half.

Or simply, I might be wrong and both teams decide to attack from the first whistle and turn it into an entertaining goal fest.

#2 Bayern’s midfield control

Thiago's superior quality on the ball will be on show on Wednesday

Bayern are most likely to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the two holding midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez screening the defence. When not in possession James Rodriguez or whoever starts in the attacking midfield role will likely drop deep to make it three in midfield to thwart the Liverpool attacks.

There is no argument that Bayern’s midfield is far superior in possession as compared to their Merseyside counterparts. Thiago’s skill on the ball and James’ eye for a pass will definitely be on show on Wednesday night.

Therefore, it will be imperative for the Liverpool midfielders to intelligently use possession whenever they get a chance to do so. With Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri finding it difficult to force themselves into the starting XI these days, Liverpool’s midfield is sorely lacking in creativity, although Lallana’s recent form will provide some encouragement.

There will be moments in the game when the Bayern midfielders control possession of the ball and frustrate Klopp’s men. The Liverpool midfield be it any three of Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Milner or even Keita will have to be patient and wait for their chance to regain possession instead of diving into rash tackles.

As soon as they regain control of the ball, a quick and precise forward pass along with good hold up play from the front three, might prove to be the recipe for Liverpool’s attacks on Wednesday night.

To sum it all up, expect lots of possession and recycling of the ball by the Bavarian midfielders, with Liverpool getting lots of bodies behind the ball, before trying to counter swiftly.

#1 Spaces develop for Salah and Mane to run into

Both players will have a huge say on the proceedings

The longer the game remains scoreless, Niko Kovac’s men will be encouraged to attack more by the home supporters. As Bayern start to commit bodies forward, spaces will develop in the defensive third for the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah to attack into.

With neither Mats Hummels nor Niklas Sule possessing great pace, the Liverpool forwards will relish the challenge to get away from the German duo and run towards Manuel Neuer’s goal.

All of this will only be possible if the Liverpool defence and midfield manage to stifle the Bayern forwards. Also, if the game stays scoreless at the hour mark, it could break the shackles and see both teams having a proper go at each other much to the spectators' delight.

The crucial link to all of Liverpool's play will be Roberto Firmino, who despite having a terrible record against the Bundesliga Champions, has the potential to play those defence-splitting passes for Mane and Salah to latch onto.

Therefore, it will be a huge night for Bayern’s defensive midfielder Javi Martinez who will look to drop in between the centre backs to cover for the full-backs' forward runs.

Whatever the end result, the game promises to deliver on its grandeur and has the potential to be one of the games of the season.

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Tell us in the comments section what else you expect to see in the Bayern-Liverpool game.