Bayern Munich vs Juventus – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Sreya

Bayern Munich hosts Juventus at the Allianz Arena on 16th March, Wednesday for the return leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixture after the first leg in Turin ended in a 2-2 draw.

Bayern Munich had taken a two goal lead over the Italian champions but Juventus managed a draw in a spectacular fashion courtesy late goals from Paulo Dybala and Stefano Stuaro.

Team News

Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber are ruled out due to injuries while Arjen Robben and Javi Martinez are doubtful. Juventus will be without a number of key players as Martin Caceres, Claudio Marchisio, Paulo Dybala and Giorgio Chiellini are sidelined through injuries. Mario Mandzukic will undergo a late fitness test as well.

Bayern Munich Possible Starting Lineup: Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Joshua Kimmich, Mehdi Benatia, David Alaba, Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Thiago Alcantara, Douglas Costa, Robert Lewandowski.

Juventus Possible Starting Lineup: Gianluigi Buffon, Stephan Lichsteiner, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Patrice Evra, Sami Khedira, Stefano Stuaro, Paul Pogba, Juan Cuadrado, Alvaro Morata, Roberto Pereyra.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We have to accept the result of the first leg. Juventus are Juventus, with their own special spirit. I know the Italian mentality, it has won them so many trophies. They wait for their moment. They know how to defend and how to score goals. After the first game, my appreciation and respect for Juve is even greater.”

– Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich.

“We have to play a perfect game tomorrow. If we are not able to do so, it will be very difficult. We know Bayern are a team that normally take control of the game. It is possible Bayern are underestimating Juventus. But I don’t think so, they have lots of respect for us, as we do have for them. We have to be very careful and try to be the better team tomorrow. It is as simple as that.”

– Massimilano Allegri, Juventus.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Bayern Munich have won three and lost two of their last six encounters with Juventus. Bayern Munich, in fact, are undefeated in their last five matches against Juventus in all competitions. The Bundesliga club are undefeated in their last nine home fixtures in Europe’s premier competition.

Bayern Munich have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight UEFA Champions League matches. Bayern Munich are likely to progress to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 win being the most probable outcome of this fixture.