Europe’s premier football contest returns this week. Bayern is set to host Man Utd at the Allianz Arena in the opening fixtures of the UCL 2023/24 season. The host has been in fantastic form in the Bundesliga this season. So far, the visitors have struggled in the Premier League, losing three of their first five league matches.
The Bavarians will look to get back to winning after drawing their league match against Leverkusen last Friday. Bayern will look to launch their UCL campaign in grand style, having won all six group-stage matches in the 2023/2024 season. Bayern Munich has won the UCL title 6 times, making them strong contenders this season. Our Champions League 23/24 predictions show they are ranked highly among the favorites to win this season’s competition.
In contrast, the Red Devils have shown poor form this season. The team presently sits in 13th position in the EPL standings. So far, Man UTD has conceded ten goals in five league matches. Still, both sides are favorites to qualify from group A of the UCL ahead of Kobenhavn and Galatasaray.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | UEFA Champions League 2023/24, Group A, Matchday 1 |
| 🏟️ Venue: | Allianz Arena stadium, Munich, Germany |
| 🗓️ Date: | 20 September 2023 |
| ⏰ Time: | 8:00 p.m. GMT on Wednesday |
Popular UCL betting sites indicate that Bayern is favored at home with 1.50 (1/2). A draw is available for 4.80 (19/5). On the opposing side, Man Utd is the less preferred team with 5.50 (9/2) to win the contest.
Bayern’s top-of-the-table clash with Bayer Leverkusen concluded in a 2-2 draw. Despite that result, bookmakers still expect Bayern to win this game. The Bavarians are also expected to win their group. The German side has consecutively qualified from the UCL Group stage for 15 seasons.
Man Utd returned to the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League. The three-time UCL winners aspire to reverse their recent downturn in form after consecutive 3-1 losses to both Arsenal and Brighton.
Bayern eliminated Man Utd in their two Champions League meetings in 2010 and 2014. The Red Devils would try to draw inspiration from their famous victory against Bayern at the 98/99 UCL final. A win in that match helped them secure their first treble.
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The Bavarians are poised to best a Man Utd side reeling from back-to-back EPL losses by a two-goal margin. Bayern have scored two or more goals in their last four league games. They will rely on the wealth of UCL experience from Thomas Muller. The prolific talisman has won the UCL twice and scored over 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
The hosts also have Harry Kane on their roster. His goal-scoring abilities could be the difference against United. The poor defensive form of Man United will also benefit active game from Gnabri and Sane, and two goals should be a minimum for the hosts.
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Historical trends indicate both Bayern and Man Utd often find the net when they face off. In their previous encounters, both teams have typically contributed to an aggregate of three goals or more. Despite the lack of stability in the defense, MU’s attack with Hojlund, Rashford, and Fernandes is still scary for any team.
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Record-signing Harry Kane scored his fourth league goal for his new club in their 2-2 draw against Leverkusen. The prolific striker will face a familiar side he scored six goals against during his spell at Tottenham. Due to his proficiency in front of goal, Kane is a solid option to score in this fixture.
Bayern will be without Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Koman, and Raphael Guerreiro. Despite these misses, the team still has ample options fit for the game. We expect them to field a formidable side in the clash. Expect to see high-flying wingers Sane and Gnabry from the flanks, with Muller assisting Kane centrally.
Man Utd has a lengthy injury list, with players like Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, and Amad Diallo out due to injury. Mason Mount and Amrabat must pass a late fitness test to feature in the game. Antony and Sancho are out due to disciplinary actions from the team.
Given Bayern’s firepower and a more robust squad, they will likely dominate a Man Utd side beleaguered by injuries and form issues. It should be a comfortable win for the Bavarians. You can get the best betting markets and odds for all UCL matches by visiting our online football betting sites.
