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Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich Preview, Prediction, Team News And Predicted Lineups

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Ben Horlock
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Ben Horlock Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

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Published3 hours ago on October 22, 2024

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Most Champions League Goals

Here at Sportscasting, we have the Barcelona vs Bayern Munich preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Wednesday’s huge UEFA Champions League clash. 

Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich Preview

Barcelona

The standout fixture on GW3 comes from the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium as five-time winners Barcelona take on six-time champions Bayern Munich.

Hansi Flick’s side have lost the last six meetings against the Bundesliga giants in the UEFA Champions League. Including that 8-2 thrashing at the Camp Nou in the 2019/20 quarter-final.

In fact, Barca’s record against the Bavarians is very one-sided. In their 13 encounters, the Spanish side have won on just three occasions. 33 goals have been shipped in the process with just 13 scored.

Furthermore, the last four consecutive meetings have all ended in defeat with zero goals scored. Domestically, the Catalan side head into the encounter in a rich vein of form.

With nine wins from ten, Barca are three points clear at the top of the table ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid. The two lock horns in El Clasico this weekend.

For Flick, his Champions League record is truly outstanding. In his 20 matches, he has won 17 times. More than any other gaffer in the competition’s history after the same number of games.

Bayern Munich

With such an impressive record against their opponents, Bayern Munich will be licking their lips at the prospect of adding to their winning tally.

A seventh consecutive victory over Barcelona will equal a Champions League record. Ajax were beaten on seven straight occasions by Real Madrid in the 2010s.

Last time out, Bayern succumbed to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Premier League side Aston Villa. The ever-reliable super-sub Jhon Duran netted a spectacular late winner.

That defeat ended the Bavarians 41-game unbeaten run in the Champions League group stages. A sequence that was started in 2017.

In the Bundesliga on the weekend, Hansi Flick’s side thrashed Stuttgart 4-0 to remain top of the league. A certain Harry Kane hit a fine treble.

Ahead of the titanic clash, the best football betting sites in the UK make Barca the slight match favourites at 7/5. The draw can be backed at 3/1 with Bayern 9/5.

You can also see our key Barcelona vs Bayern Munich stats and head-to-heads here.

Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich Team News

Academy starlet Gavi could feature for Barcelona after he made his eagerly awaited return against Sevilla on the weekend. Dani Olmo is also expected back in the matchday squad.

In goal, Inaki Pena is set to keep his place but the likes of Marc Bernal, Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo are all out.

Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski will lead the line against his former club. He will be supported by Euro 2024 winner Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are expected to be missing German international Jamal Musiala. Josip Stanisic, Sacha Boey and will also be absent for Hansi Flick’s side.

Summer signing Michael Olise will start on the wing with England captain Harry Kane up top. Joao Palhinha, Serge Gnabry and veteran Thomas Muller are also expected to play from the off.

Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich Predicted Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Joao Palhinha; Olise, Muller, Gnabry; Kane

Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich Prediction

Despite history favouring Bayern Munich, the law of averages suggests a victory is on the cards for Barcelona on Wednesday night. Especially with how well they’ve performed under Hansi Flick.

Bayern will still be wounded after their GW2 defeat to Aston Villa and the potential absence of Jamal Musiala will prove pivotal.

Expect plenty of goals but we do think Barca will finally get one over their UEFA Champions League nemesis.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-2 Bayern